Plans have been revealed to demolish a long-time derelict alleyway on Morecambe front and create a modern food courtyard.
The arcade on Marine Road Central, between the Promenade and the Winter Gardens car park, has long been considered one of the town's biggest eyesores.
Owners Johnny's Entertainment (JET) Ltd have asked for planning permission to carry out improvements.
The application is for "demolition of the arcade and associated structures, the relocation of two storage containers used for food and beverage, and the siting of one additional storage container for food and beverage".
"The scheme looks to demolish the current disused arcade that is currently in a poor state and improve the area by relocating the two existing units that are currently situated in front of the former Hitchens building," says a statement submitted with the plans.
"They will located in the arcade area following demolition. An additional unit will also be provided.
"The arcade building is in a disused state, and in poor condition with the roof structure remaining. The roof cladding has previously been removed.
"The building is sandwiched between two Art Deco buildings, popular in British coastal resorts of the 1930s and ‘40s, the former B&M (originally the Woolworths) building and former Hitchens (originally Littlewoods) building.
"Fencing is to be installed to secure the non accessible areas.
"The impact of demolishing the disused arcade will remove an eyesore that negatively impacts the two significant unlisted buildings of note, and restore them as an asset to Morecambe’s main coastal thoroughfare.
"The removal of the arcade will create a brighter, open aspect towards the two adjacent buildings, and relocation of the two existing storage units and the addition of another will enable the former Hitchens building, currently obscured, to engage positively in its local context and bring back to life an unused area.
Below, the former Hitchens building.
"Overall, the proposal will contribute to Morecambe’s rich history as a coastal town with attractive leisure, food and drink, and retail spaces along the main promenade."
A spokesperson for JET Ltd said the plans will include "the careful demolition of some existing structures and general tidying of the area, before creating a public space in the style of a modern food courtyard".
"Looking further ahead, there are a number of exciting possibilities for the space that we are considering.
"It is an important and optimistic time for Morecambe, with significant potential developments such as the Eden Project on the horizon.
"Like many businesses in the town, we are awaiting the outcomes of these projects before finalising future plans, ensuring any next steps complement the wider regeneration of the area.
"For now, we look forward to working closely with the council to deliver these initial improvement works for the benefit of the local community and visitors."
JET Ltd owns a number of nearby entertainment venues, including the Pleasureland amusement arcade and Soul Bowl & Vista bowling alley and restaurant above it, Jump Rush trampoline centre, Johnny's Warehouse Bar, Laser Rush laser tag centre, and The Warehouse venue inside the former Hitchen's/Littlewoods building.
Lancaster City Council will make a decision on whether to grant planning permission, in due course.
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