Lytham Town Trust to take on freehold of historic Lytham Assembly Rooms
Lytham Town Trust has welcomed the recent decision by Fylde Council’s Executive Committee to support, in principle, the transfer of the freehold of the historic Lytham Assembly Rooms to the Trust.
The decision marks an important next step in securing the long-term future of one of Lytham’s best-known community buildings, which the Trust has managed and cared for for the past 35 years.
The Grade II listed Assembly Rooms on Dicconson Terrace have been at the heart of community life in Lytham since opening in 1928. Today, the building is home to Lytham Library and continues to provide a venue for a wide range of community activities, including talks, fairs, classes and other events.
The Trust has made substantial investment in the building over the years, including more than £400,000 on repairs and improvements during the past decade. We are currently undertaking a further programme of works, including the full repointing of the Dicconson Terrace elevation and improvements to the rear car park.
Commenting on the decision, David Gill, Chair of Lytham Town Trust, said:
“We are delighted with the Council’s recognition of our management of the Lytham Assembly Rooms over the last 35 years and their confidence in our future stewardship, demonstrated by the decision to transfer the freehold of the building to us.
“We have invested heavily in the property over the years and are currently having the Dicconson Terrace elevation fully repointed as part of a programme of repairs to ensure that this important asset of the town continues to look its best. Taking on the freehold represents a significant responsibility for the Trust, but also provides us with the opportunity to plan for the building’s future with greater certainty and to continue investing in it for the benefit of the community. We are very grateful to Fylde Council for recognising the Trust’s longstanding commitment to the Assembly Rooms and for supporting our vision for its future.”
Fylde Council Leader Councillor, Karen Buckley, said:
“Lytham Town Trust has been an outstanding custodian of this special building for years, and residents can see that in every corner of it. Supporting their long-term stewardship is the right thing to do for the community and for the building’s future.”
The proposed transfer builds on a relationship with Fylde Council that has enabled the Assembly Rooms to remain an active and valued community asset while the Trust has progressively invested in its upkeep.
The Council’s Executive Committee agreed to proceed subject to completion of the necessary disposal plan, valuation and legal due diligence, with a further report to follow once that work has been completed.