New Christmas campaign is key to revival of historic Morecambe building

The Christmas Petal Wish campaign is Nick Smith’s latest fundraising idea to give the former Queen’s Market building in Victoria Street a new lease of life.

It’s part of a bigger £1 million fundraiser known as a ‘ceiling of dreams’ which Nick created earlier this year.

Some 20,000 hand painted dandelions adorn the ceiling and already more than a thousand people have each donated £1 to place their names on a petal in the artwork which he hopes will be a record breaker.

“So many people have visited and enthused about my ideas, my passion, my drive but none are willing or able to help with start-up costs,” said Nick.

“Without the initial seed funding from the petals or anywhere else, we cannot move forward.”

Nick hopes people will buy petals for family and friends, sending them in an e-card along with a Christmas wish.

“We didn't think £1 a petal was too much to ask and when we’re up and running, and the building is open, people can come along, find their names and hopefully be able to say they helped launch the project and were part of a world record,” he said.

Nick has spent six years restoring the former Palladium Cinema and Crystal T’s nightclub single-handedly. He set up a Community Interest Company to develop it into a food hall, science and education experience and ideas café for young people.

He thinks the development of the 1895 building could create around 80 jobs.

For more information about the Christmas Petal Wish campaign, visit https://www.facebook.com/AlbertHall1895