Fleetwood radar training building gets £97k at auction

More than 300 people enquired about the building's sale, Lancashire County Council says

A former radar training station built on a seafront has fetched £97,000 at auction - almost double the guide price.

The Grade II listed edifice, built in 1961, on The Esplanade, Fleetwood, had been a base for coastal masters to train in radar technology.

Architect Iain Garnell bought it after thinking "wow - panoramic views and it's an incredible-looking building.

He said he hoped to turn it into a "live-work" dwelling.

Mr Garnell, who is based in Leicester, told BBC Radio Lancashire that he had only been to Fleetwood once and that was just to see the building, which he said was "a bit rundown now but hopefully we can bring it back to its former glory".

'History of communications'

He said the renovation's design would combine both personal and professional spaces.

Lancashire County Council deputy leader Alan Vincent said there had been more than 300 enquiries for the building, which had been described as an "essential part of naval history".

The authority said the building, coupled with the nearby Victorian lighthouse, showed "the history of communications side by side".

Historic England (HE) previously praised its "elegant, modern design" and the renowned art historian and architect, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, described it as "a cute little piece".

The single-storey oval building was built by Lancashire County Council architects and was transferred to Blackpool and The Fylde College in 1996 but it was due to be assigned back to the council as the original leaseholder.

Prior to the auction, the authority said the new owner would need to renovate it, and apply to Wyre Council to vary the deeds.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]