Lytham St.Annes Express, 19 October 1945

LYTHAM PIER SCHEME
Reconstructing the Entrance.

Since taking over Lytham Pier and Amusements Ltd., the new directors have been working out a scheme for the rebuilding of Lytham Pier, a scheme that has to take into account the unique site of the Pier entrance without sacrificing charm. Slavish imitation of the past and garish modernity alike had nothing to recommend them:

The photograph on page 1 of the model for the Pier's new entrance building (designed by Mr. Tom Mellor, B.Arch., A.R.I.B.A., A.M.T.P.I. of Lytham) will give some idea of the effective results of originality, utility, and the decorative use of the pebble walls traditional to Lytham.
The new entrance building forms part of a scheme for reconstructing, the whole of the Pier but is also planned as a self-contained recreational building providing facilities which are likely to be in great demand.
It is constructed of reinforced concrete steel, timber and glass, and is planned on three floors.

At shore level below the promenade there are stores and workshops, protected from high tides by strong walls of waterproof concrete. At promenade level there is a large restaurant, shops, an amusement arcade and the Pier entrance and control office. The south wall of the restaurant is one large window, giving perfect views of the coast and estuary.

SUNBATHING LOUNGE.

The roof deck, planned as an outdoor cafe and sunbathing area, is 110 feet long and 46 feet wide. It will be carefully arranged to provide shelter and privacy. Some of the dividing screens are designed to be set like the sails of a boat, to meet changes in wind direction. An observation platform, like the bridge of a liner, is built above part of the roof deck and is approached by a spiral staircase.

The unusual appearance of the building is the result of careful planning to make the best of the site, with its excellent views, and to provide the necessary accommodation. Its ship-like appearance is not a direct copy of the passenger decks of a modern liner but is due to similar problems of shelter and view being solved with similar materials.
The nautical character of the building will he further emphasised by the use of bright clean colours—white, pink, grey blue and dark brown and by the ancient figurehead (from a sailing ship demolished at Preston) which will be mounted over the entrance.
The Company feels confident that the new will contribute to the pleasure of visitors and residents alike.

 

PRESS CUTTING DATED 1945