Landlords on Morecambe Prom have exclusively told Beyond Radio that their plans to sell up to make way for a new hotel have fallen through.
The former Consult Centre and Bays Bikes building on Marine Road Central has gone up for sale, and the former Bayside Emporium antiques shop next door has been let out, after talks collapsed between the premises' owners and a would-be developer.
Planning permission was granted last year to demolish a row of properties at 228-235 Marine Road Central to make way for a new five-storey hotel, shop and restaurant.
Local businesses The Consult Centre, Bays Bikes and Bayside Emporium moved out and relocated during the past year, after they were told of the plans to bulldoze their premises.
But a representative of the Suleman family, who own the former Bayside Emporium, said this week that their deal with the developer has "fallen through".
"The hotel isn't going ahead," he said.
"We've lost a lot of money and a really good tenant in Lee (from the Bayside Emporium)."
He said they had initially agreed to sell the building.
But, he said, talks broke down earlier this year after they'd "gone back and forth for months" with the buyer.
"We've decided to relet the premises, to a local business," he said.
"We got sick and tired of being in limbo."
The former Bayside Emporium is pictured below.
Bryan Long, owner of the former home of The Consult Centre and Bays Bikes, has put his building up for sale after his deal with the developer collapsed.
It is being marketed at a price of £600,000 through GF Property Sales and Lettings.
"I lost all my tenants because (of the plans for the hotel) who relocated and now I’m paying three x commercial rates on an empty building," said Mr Long.
"I’m out of pocket thousands in lost rent and rates bills.
"It's very disappointing."
In December 2023, applicant Luke Averill was given planning permission for the new 86-bedroom hotel.
We have contacted Mr Averill for comment. He had not responded as we went to press.
Lancaster City Council, who granted planning permission, stipulated that work must begin on the hotel development within three years of the approval, or permission will expire.
The Consult Centre social media agency relocated to new premises at 299 Marine Road earlier this year.
Read more: INTERVIEW: Morecambe firm moves due to plans to demolish former offices for hotel - Beyond Radio
Owner Ruth Wilkinson (below) said this week: "Whilst disappointed, as a business owner, that we are no longer in the building, and also for the building's owner who took the offer in good faith, it does present another opportunity for someone to invest in Morecambe.
"Things are very much on the up, and I hope whoever becomes the successful owner adds a venue that brings an increase in footfall and economic uplift to the town."
Lee Clarke of The Bayside Emporium moved out earlier this year and has opened a new antiques shop, The Old Sea Dog, on Moor Lane in Lancaster.
Read more: INTERVIEW: Morecambe antiques dealer moves to new home in Lancaster city centre - Beyond Radio
Speaking to Beyond Radio this week, Mr Clarke (below) said: "Our building in Morecambe was earmarked for demolition and they were going to build a hotel there.
"Midway through our move, it all fell through and we did have a choice whether to stay in Morecambe or come to Lancaster, but we felt like Lancaster was crying out for a shop like this.
"Six months later it's working really well for us."
Bays Bikes bicycle shop also relocated and is now based on Alice Street in Morecambe. We have contacted Bays Bikes for comment.
Mr Long's property has also previously been home to popular Morecambe night-spots including Charleston's and Fred's on the Ball.
The GF Property website says of the building: "Nestled in the heart of Morecambe, this expansive commercial property on Marine Road boasts a substantial commercial space spread over four floors, including a spacious multiroom basement.
"This property offers a whopping approximate 8792 sq ft of floor place. Furthermore, the property boasts a two bedroom maisonette
"The prime location of this property provides stunning views overlooking the picturesque Morecambe Bay, making it a truly unique find. Whether you’re looking to set up a new business venture or expand an existing one, this property is suitable for a variety of commercial uses, limited only by your imagination.
"To truly grasp the full potential of this property, viewings are highly recommended. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of Morecambe’s charm and make your mark in this vibrant seaside town."
The row of buildings earmarked for the hotel also includes AJ's Burger Bar and the Lakeland Rooms, pictured below on Monday October 21 2024.
Plans to knock down the buildings and build the new hotel were first revealed in summer 2023.
Read more: Plan revealed to bulldoze Morecambe Prom businesses to make way for new hotel - Beyond Radio
Here is an artist's impression of the proposed hotel.
A design and access statement submitted with the plans for the hotel, said that "the dilapidated condition of existing buildings of limited heritage value provides an opportunity to reinstate a sense of grandeur to the promenade".
It also said the development was "a unique opportunity to activate and reinstate a strong frontage to the promenade with both public realm space as well as potential retail opportunities to be explored".
A Lancaster City Council report said, at the time: "The proposed development seeks to provide significant investment and economic contribution to the tourism economy in Morecambe, redeveloping and creating beneficial use of this commercial space in a key location fronting the Bay."
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