The Former Hillside Restaurant on Preston Street was acquired by Fylde Council in April 2022 and was in a poor state of repair with the building at risk from further water ingress.

The building is currently undergoing a substantial restoration including repair and rebuild of the chimney stacks, refurbishment of windows across the front elevation, installation of a new window to the flank wall, replacement of the render to the flank wall,new rainwater goods and repairs to all ironwork.

JubbClews Chartered building surveyors have been appointed to support the project going forward and Heritage Property Repairs Northwest are engaged to carry out the planned physical works to the property.

The project is funded by High Street Heritage Action Zone, Future High Street Fund, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council.

The current first phase programme of external works will be ongoing until March 2024 ( subject to change) with further works anticipated beyond this date.

A feasibility study is currently underway to determine the best and most sustainable end use for this important building in the heart of Kirkham.

Works have also been ongoing to remove two large trees at the rear of Hillside which require removal so that essential works can be carried out to the retaining wall at the rear of the property which will be ongoing from February 2024 until May 2024.

Works have been completed to upgrade the electrical supply to the building to enable a substantial repair of the existing lift which provides the main accessible entrance to the building.

Major roof works will commence in February to all roofs on the property to the front and rear. These works are expected to complete by March 2024.

Works at Hillside will continue until March 2025 following a funding extension granted by FHSF. The HAZ funded part of the project will end in March 2024.

A number of case studies have been developed to highlight some of the conservation work that has been ongoing by Heritage Property Repairs and these can be viewed here.