A New Era for a Historic Landmark: The Opening of Lytham Assembly Rooms
On Sunday 19th May 1991, the historic Lytham Assembly Rooms on Dicconson Terrace were officially opened by the Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Mrs. M. Eileen Hall J.P., marking the start of a new chapter for one of the town’s most iconic buildings.
The re-opening was the result of a remarkable community effort led by Lytham Town Trust, under the chairmanship of Alan Ashton MBE, and supported by a dedicated board of local representatives. The Trust was formed to preserve buildings of historical and architectural interest for the benefit of the community, and the Assembly Rooms were among its earliest and most significant projects.
From Public Baths to Assembly Rooms
The site has a long and fascinating history. Buildings dedicated to public use have stood there since at least 1795. In 1860, the old Baths and two Assembly Rooms were built, later replaced in 1926–28 with a striking new complex that included modern bathing facilities, a ballroom, and an impressive new entrance façade on Dicconson Terrace. For generations, it became a much-loved venue for both recreation and social life.
By the late 1980s, however, structural problems meant the plunge bath had to be withdrawn from use, and Fylde Borough Council resolved to refurbish the surviving Assembly Rooms portion for community benefit. This vision, carried forward by the newly created Lytham Town Trust, ensured the building was not only saved but reimagined for the future.
Restoring and Reimagining
The refurbishment, directed by J H Ashworth & Co. for Fylde Borough Council, sensitively restored the façade and created two versatile new spaces inside: the Dicconson Room and the Ribble Room. Each room, seating around 100 people, was designed to host meetings, concerts, exhibitions, and a wide variety of community events.
The upper floor was retained as office space, leased in part to long-standing tenants including the Lytham Yacht Club. Meanwhile, the ground floor facilities were equipped with modern amenities such as a foyer, kitchen, and public address system, making the Assembly Rooms once again a hub for civic and social activity.
A Lasting Legacy
The opening ceremony in May 1991 symbolised more than just the unveiling of a refurbished building. It represented a community coming together to honour its past and invest in its future. Thanks to the leadership of Alan Ashton MBE, the commitment of the Trust’s board, and the support of Fylde Borough Council, the Assembly Rooms continue to stand as a proud reminder of Lytham’s heritage and as a resource for generations to come.
A copy of the programme cover for the Official Opening of The Assembly Rooms in Lytham.
A copy of the inner pages of the programme for the official opening of The Assembly Rooms in Lytham.
The story of the Assembly Rooms is one of resilience, collaboration, and vision — a testament to what can be achieved when a community values its history as much as its future.
A blue plaque has since been installed on the building following an application by the Lytham St Annes Civic Society. View images of the blue plaque here.