Morecambe, a town that has retained much of its original charm since its heyday, may be on the verge of a revival. Brucciani's cafe, which opened as a milk bar in the 1930s, remains almost unchanged, evoking nostalgia for the bygone era of bustling seaside resorts. However, the glory days of throngs of holidaymakers have been absent for some time.
Yet, as the sun cast its warm rays on the seafront this week, one could be forgiven for thinking that the vibrant times had returned. And now, the long-awaited Eden Project Morecambe may finally turn this dream into a reality.
All eyes are on the seafront as hotels, businesses, and B&Bs eagerly await the commencement of work on the highly anticipated Eden Project. However, concerns linger about the town's preparedness to accommodate what will become one of the UK's premier tourist attractions. The recent listing of the 30-bedroom Morecambe Bay Hotel for sale has raised alarms among local officials, including one Lancaster city councillor who stressed the importance of preserving hotel space for the town's future development.
The Morecambe Bay Hotel, situated along Marine Road Central alongside other prominent hotels like The Lothersdale and Auckland, is now on the market. Sales information from estate agents indicates that the hotel could continue its operations or potentially be converted into flats or homes, pending planning approval. With an asking price of £750,000, the property could fetch up to £1 million, according to estate agents.
To gauge public opinion on hotels and housing, the Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to individuals on the promenade.
John and Frances Heyes from Bury, Greater Manchester, who occasionally visit Morecambe and other seaside towns like Scarborough, shared their thoughts. John expressed optimism about the Eden Project's positive impact on Morecambe and emphasised the significance of hotel pricing and rents in a town with lower wages. He stated: "Seaside towns in Britain have faced challenges for years, with some people claiming that Blackpool is on its knees. So, any boost they can get is important. I believe the Eden Project will help Morecambe."
Frances added: "A nice hotel can truly enhance a town and create a vibrant atmosphere. We also visit Scarborough, where the Grand Hotel is well-known. Opinions about the Grand may vary these days, as it's a beautiful building from the outside, although people have different views about its interior. But there's no doubt that hotels matter to seaside towns. Therefore, I believe the Morecambe Bay Hotel should remain a hotel. The Midland Hotel in Morecambe is also significant, although it could use a bit of tender loving care. All these hotels along the Morecambe promenade hold importance."
While discussing Morecambe's future, resident Paul John stressed the importance of retaining the Morecambe Bay Hotel as a hotel. Reflecting on the town's past vibrancy, he noted the renewed interest sparked by the Eden Project and The Bay TV series. Paul remarked: "We don't visit hotels here because we live here. But we occasionally dine at The Platform, which offers a delightful dining experience. We prefer going out for lunch rather than dinner.
"Morecambe already has plenty of flats, particularly in the West End. We don't need more flats, but a few more decent hotels and shops would be beneficial. We don't need anything overly expensive, just something modest and affordable for retired people like us."
Elowyn Hamer, a 20-year-old student from Bare in Morecambe, voiced the need for affordable accommodation for young people. She mentioned the art-deco Midland Hotel as a popular choice for those seeking a higher-end.
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