A critical stage of the redevelopment of the former Fleetwood Hospital is entering its final phase thanks to local businesses, members of the community and supporters.
Fleetwood Trust, a charitable trust, purchased Fleetwood Hospital in November 2018. In the past 10 months the focus has been on completing essential repairs to the main building, which had been derelict for eight years.
The first phase of repairs saw the completion of a substantial £200k roof refurbishment project to ensure the building was made watertight and the interior protected ahead of any further improvements.
Following this, in June, local businesses were urged to support the next phase of the project which was to begin to replace the dilapidated windows throughout the building.
Chartered accountants Jones Harris we're the first local company to answer the call and join in with the Trust's window appeal.
Further businesses from the town and across the region went on to join in with the appeal, pledging their support of £1000 per window to help generate the funds needed to remove and replace the 162 windows and frames.
With the first round of new windows taking shape, the Trust launched a crowdfunding appeal in August to give local people the opportunity to show their support for the project, spreading the word and pledging donations towards the window campaign.
Kelly Garrick, Funding Manager for Fleetwood Trust said:
"The generous donations and messages of support we've received has been incredible. Donations from businesses and private individuals so far has reached £28k which is already funding the replacement of all the windows. Thank you everyone."
The second round of new windows is currently under-way and businesses are continuing to come on board with support for the final round to help the Trust reach their fundraising target of £40k.
The window project will complete in mid-October and donations can still be made on the Trust’s website.
Rebecca Murdoch, Treasurer for Fleetwood Trust added:
"We've come such a long way in under 12 months which is testament to the supporters of the project and the commitment of the Trustees and our small team of volunteers, who are all helping to realise the potential of this community asset."
The building is 60,000 sq ft building over three floors, giving the Trust space to develop an innovative, integrated community offering.
