Morecambe Promenade

In the early 1990s Morecambe’s sea walls and promenade were in dire need of repair and the town’s tourism industry was suffering. Lancaster City Council won substantial government funding and began a massive civil engineering and public arts project that provided a solution to both problems.

Tern Project

The Tern Project has seen numerous piece of public art incorporated into structural improvements to the Promenade, sea defences, and elsewhere in the town centre. Much of the works is themed around Morecambe’s famous birdlife.

The Stone Jetty, originally built as a cargo wharf, is one of the highlights of the regeneration programme. Artists Russell Coleman and Gordon Young created numerous pieces here including The Maze, Magpie Hopscotch, and The Compass. The Stone Jetty is one of the best places in town to view the magnificent sunsets over Morecambe Bay.

The Eric Morecambe statue is the scheme’s most famous piece of art. The surrounding area is engraved with the words of the song ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ and the names of celebrities who appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Show.

Other works include the Rock Islands bird sculptures at traffic roundabouts, and the Bird Fence by David Kemp.

West End Gardens

The West End Gardens is a public park running along the Promenade from Regent Street to Alexandra Road. It features several children’s play areas, water fountains, picnic tables, a café, and several pieces of public art.

Cycle Route In April 2007 ancient byelaws prohibiting cycling on Morecambe Bay were lifted. A traffic-free cycle path runs the length of the Promenade from Heysham to Hest Bank, and to Lancaster following the Lancaster Canal. A map of cycling routes in and around Morecambe and Lancaster is available on the Celebrating Cycling website.

Morecambe Promenade Station

Morecambe Promenade Station closed in 1994. It now houses The Platform performing arts venue, the Morecambe Tourist Information Centre, and the Station Promenade, a family pub with an indoor children’s play area.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

donna
I live in Blackpool and visited Morecambe for the first time in my life yesterday. I stayed for only 4 hours but loved it that much I decided I would like to move my family there. Blackpool has spent a lot of money on regeneration but Morecambe looks better. It could do with more shops and a main shopping/town centre but it's a nice peaceful place.
Roger Stonier
Just returned from four day break to Morecambe bay, 3.7.09; our first visit - stayed in static caravan at Ocean Edge. Morecambe is still showing the effects of decline, as is well known and expected. But, the signs of investment and regeneration are also very apparent and extensive, especially on the promenade, which is most pleasant. Note the splendidly improved big white hotel! I twice cycled the promenade from next door Heysham to the northern side of Morecambe and back - superb smooth cycle surface, interesting throughout and plenty wide enough to give pedestrians a wide berth. Plenty of other cyclists, too. Don't miss visiting the stone jetty. I noticed some stretches of good quality sand for sun bathing and to keep the kids happy. The Council workmen and ladies were at work very early morning carefully cleaning the beach and tending the promenade gardens. The views over the bay, to the Lake District are excellent; indeed, sunset over Black Combe is magnificent. Well worth a visit.
C Parr
The Tern Project is a shining example of how public money can be used to regenerate an area.

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Morecambe Promenade

Address and postcode: Promenade, Morecambe, Lancashire LA4 4BU

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