What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Anyone know what's the latest with the Victorian Arcade? I can see a newspaper story dated Jan 2013 about the number of businesses picking up which is good, but no updates on the restoration of it via a Heritage Lottery Bid.

I have a vested interest because the arcade, and improvements to Blackburn road itself have a direct impact on the through traffic to Warner St.

Also, what's all this talk about putting a bus lane on Warner St? Only way to do that would be to remove left side parking, killing off any remaining visitors to the street.

Thanks.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

they need to get rid of teh parking accross from the blind shop thats for sure .Its a joke using half teh street for parking spaces and keeping it a 2 way street

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Especially when the blind people are driving the cars.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

there have been great advancements in getting the blind back behind the wheel

teaching labridors to bark once for right and twice for left has been one of the big advancements

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Is Heritage Lottery Funding available for private property ?

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

It explains here that if private owners are involved, they expect the public benefit to be greater than any private gain What we fund - Heritage Lottery Fund

So I think the answer is yes.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

so dave get that application for a gunners turret on your shop roof in and help benefit the public :D

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

So what's the public benefit there then ?

I'll download the forms :D

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

I would guess something to do with preserving the history of the town for future generations

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Yes you can apply for lottery funding for the maintenance of a historic building whether privately owned or not. There are also grants available to renovate (remember one being given out to a guy in Bolton who converted some huge historic town centre building into a restaurant).

I was just wondering if anyone actually had applied and if it was going to happen. It's discussed in the Accrington Town Plan but as with much of that the entire plan may have died due to the govts finances....

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

they should flatten the arndale and make good use of the arcade.... lets be different: and have a fine old victorian shopping centre...

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

I agree Magpie...use the arndale site for the bus station.
It would make sense, but that is probably why they don't do it!

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Arcade isn't big enough?? or is it? Thinking of all the closed shops perhaps its a good idea

What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Completely agree, Arndale should be flattened. Even the name, which is used in multiple towns around the country shouts "avoid"

I'm biased of course because I acquire a couple of places in Warner Street this week. Renovation will start immediately, and I look forward to getting started.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Was one of them the multi coloured ex child nursery? I viewed it for rent a few months ago and it needs a lot of work inside

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

another thing in favour of using the old arcade instead of the arndale is that you can put security at each end to keep the junkies out :D

a bit like how towns have traffic free zones there could be a dont get stopped for a quid or can i have a bit of your fag please zone

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

I've been told that there are structural problems with the Arcade due to it being built over the culverted river Hyndburn and that it would cost a lot of money to put it right.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

There isn't much point in trying to preserve it then.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Why not? I didn't take you as the giving up easily type.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

The Arcade was NOT built over the culveted river, the Arcade stands on the site of Duke St. The culverted river runs under Cross St, and down Duke St Back, under Whewells lower yard and behind the Commercial.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

The 1000 dollar question,is who's telling yeh that Judith? Smells to me like someone wi a vested interest?

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

yet they blow millions constantly digging broadway up replacing or repairing cockup after cockup:rolleyes:

if you ask me teh old arcade has proven more than worth its money

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

No Neil, it's not that. It's 26-28, formerly a law firm, but empty for the last 5 years. Just like the nursery it needs a ton of work.

Fortunately I'm not workshy.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

Did you view the nursery?

I would not have let my kids go there.

Re: What's the latest with the Victorian Arcade?
 

No Neil, not seen it. I only get to the UK about once a year. Hope to be over in May to check the place out in more detail.