Lancaster music venue to be demolished as part of Canal Quarter redevelopment plans
Councillors have approved plans to demolish old buildings and clear land in Lancaster’s Canal Quarter, which includes the loss of a popular music venue.
But they want rapid progress on future regeneration plans from developers.
Applicant Russ Worthington, of Lanmara Developments Ltd, has been granted permission to demolish various buildings, including a warehouse used by the Kanteena music venue, and clear land to its east and west of Brewery Lane.
Councillors on Lancaster City Council’s planning committee approved the plans but were told around 800 objections had been received regarding the loss of Kanteena.
Talks have been held between Kanteena and developers, aiming to keep the music venue operating into 2026 as new ideas are considered, but Kanteena’s planning permission as a venue has ended.
Working with Marco Living and Axis-RE, the developers aim to regenerate the whole site in future with a mix of housing and commercial spaces.
In the meantime, they have also been granted permission to create temporary car parking there for two years.
Councillors emphasised they want to see progress as soon as possible, including detailed future proposals for new buildings and regeneration.
Planning agent Rebecca Boston, from Ashton Hale consultants, had written a report supporting the developers, which said: “This work forms aims to unlock the full potential of this key site.”
The condition of buildings there had got worse over years, with some now unsafe.
Committee chair Coun Sandra Thornberry said: “It is unnerving to support these plans without knowing what is coming for the future. But we’re hopeful the developers will come along with something soon.
“I visited the site some years ago and again more recently. What has happened over time to some of the old courts and buildings is sad. Some buildings could have been looked after over the years.”
Supporters of demolition include Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID) network. In written comments to the council, it said demolition would improve the ‘eyesore’ Brewery Lane site, help regeneration and bring various future benefits.
Mr Worthington said: “We welcome the support of the committee in demonstrating a pragmatic approach to what was a derelict part of Lancaster.
"Clearing the site of dangerous structures ensures the site is safe and has the added benefit of addressing short-term car parking needs within the city.
"This is one small, but significant, step forward in creating a wider mixed-use scheme we can all be proud of.”
The temporary car park is expected to become operational on a phased basis, coinciding with the completion of demolition works from early December, and will provide parking for city centre users while design and planning for the wider scheme continue.
After the meeting, Holly Blackwell, director at Lancaster Music Co-op, which is on the edge of the site, said: “The co-op team are really pleased to see plans to rejuvenate this area by a local developer.
"With the ongoing repair and refurbishment of our own premises on Lodge Street, which we have called home for 40 years, we are in a sense ahead of the curve when it comes to the reimagination of this area as a thriving cultural quarter.
"It's therefore important we are part of the conversation in developing these plans, because we want to remain at the heart of this community for years to come.
"Ahead of our re-opening next year, we look forward to engaging with all parties on how we best build on Lancaster's rich cultural history to make the city a flagship for music, art and culture throughout the north west and beyond."