Decision made on demolition plan for Morecambe teen hangout
Lancaster City Council has been granted permission to demolish a bus station building in Morecambe.
The old bus station building on Central Drive in the town has been used as a teen hangout for a number of years.
Planning documents said: “It had been left empty and susceptible to vandalism and prior approval for demolition was granted in 2017.
“The demolition did not take place and following an application in 2018 the building became an assembly point and recreation building for young people.
"The building has attracted issues in terms of crime and antisocial behaviour and is no longer considered a safe space for young to gather.
"The site will first be secured using Heras fencing, or similar temporary fencing, together with appropriate vehicle and pedestrian warning signage.
"The demolition process would involve the dismantling of the pyramid roof structure using a telehandler, cherry picker and skip.
"An excavator would then be used to remove the remaining brickwork and external structural frame, with metal uprights being unbolted and flame cut for removal.
"The concrete floor slab would be broken up and removed from the site. All demolition arisings and rubble would be transported to a dedicated waste and recycling facility for processing and disposal.
“The area will be landscaped to match the surrounding area.”
In 2019 the former bus station waiting room in Morecambe was given a new lease of life as a hangout shelter for young people.
The refurbishment of the building cost £7,000.
A forces veteran has set up a petition to save the bus station building and turn it into a veteran and canine hub.
You can sign Christopher Sowden’s petition here https://www.change.org/p/save-the-central-drive-waiting-room-turn-a-liability-into-a-free-veteran-canine-hub?