Invitation to tender for the installation of a lighting scheme, repairs and cosmetic restoration of the former fountain, St James Square, Bacup together with a long term sustainable maintenance programme.

The Bacup Townscape Heritage Initiative is a 5 year £2.2 million regeneration project that has seen extensive restoration work to selected town centre buildings, public realm enhancements and numerous community engagement and training initiatives. Part of this work has seen much discussion around the future of a former water fountain which has in more recent times been planted with flowers.

A stakeholder consultation has taken place with LCC who are the highways authority and are responsible for any development that affects the road system. LCC have confirmed to us that a working water feature is not acceptable in this location due to the close proximity to the road way.

Taking on board LCC recommendations, the Bacup THI partnership board unanimously agreed a sympathetic restoration proposal which has been specified by our heritage architect.

The lighting has been designed to adhere to highways guidance and also to guidance from the Bacup Conservation Appraisal. The proposals also will include a suitable maintenance programme. The aim of the project is to restore and make good the existing fountain plinth/feature, to install adequate draining to prevent water pooling, to excavate and reset the surrounding setts and to refurbish the existing lights and install new lighting in accordance with highway regulations and conservation area restrictions. A long term sustainable maintenance plan also needs to be produced.