Former coastal radar station up for sale

An iconic building with an illustrious naval past looks set to be sold on the open market with a guide price of £50K.

The former Fleetwood radar training station served for decades as a base for coastal masters and crews to train in the latest radar technology.

Built in 1961, the Grade II Listed edifice stands next to the town's Victorian lighthouse near to Fleetwood Promenade, and is a single storey, oval building with a reinforced concrete, flat roof. Raised above the level of high tide, the old radar station also has framed timber windows, a timber floor and door, and can be accessed by steps from Fleetwood Promenade.

Historic England has praised its 'elegant, modern design' and  highlighted that the two buildings show 'the history of communications side by side.' Similar accolades include a 1965 Civic Trust Commendation, which singled it out as a 'modest yet dramatic little building' and the art historian and architect, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, called it 'a cute little piece.'

The historic building was built by Lancashire County Council's architects  in 1961, and it was transferred to Blackpool and the Fylde College in 1996 but is shortly to be assigned back to Lancashire County Council as the original leaseholder.

Some renovation is needed to restore the building to its former glory,  and any future owner will be required to undertake such work and also apply to Wyre Borough Council to vary the covenant which stipulates its use as a Radar Instruction Centre. However, the building's  iconic status and distinguished naval history have already sparked considerable interest locally.

County Councillor Alan Vincent, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for resources, HR and property, said: "This little building forms an historic and attractive feature, and taken with the historic 1840 lighthouse, forms a vital testimony to Fleetwood's distinguished naval past as well as showing the history of naval communications in our midst in Lancashire.

"We hope that by placing this iconic building up for auction, an essential part of our region's wonderful marine history can be preserved for the future, along with Lancashire's distinguished legacy of naval communications in times gone by."

For more details, visit - Properties for sale - Lancashire County Council