Midland Hotel Morecambe, by Oliver Hill, 1933 Listed Grade II*

You may remember that in Winter 02 (see link below) I reported that a private company had bought the Midland Hotel last June with the intention of turning it into a five star 1930s- themed hotel. We have just heard that the proposed scheme has fallen through. The owners, Kalber Leisure, are reported as saying that the work would cost more than they had planned, since it involves the removal of asbestos. The building is now in danger because they had started work on it and removed the hoardings from its windows. The glass is being smashed and, as security has been withdrawn, the Eric Gill works inside are greatly at risk. English Heritage is trying to get the local authority to act.

In some ways it is fortunate that the approved application has fallen through, as it included an extension which was particularly unsympathetic to the fabric of the listed building. However, we are extremely concerned about the listed building's future, and would expect the statutory authorities to take all measures to secure its re-use and restoration.

The Midland Hotel presents a fantastic opportunity for an imaginative
entrepreneur, but it needs someone willing to invest in its repair and
its long-term maintenance. It has tremendous potential to be marketed as a unique attraction for the area - the building is much loved locally, and its fantastic architecture should be capitalised upon.

Related links:
10/2001 Building of the Month - Gavin Stamp
12/2001 Midland Hotel, Morecambe - Emmanuelle Morgan

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