Blackpool Gazette, 12th May, 1956
A PLACE OF COMFORT, WARMTH OF STYLE
A NEW MODERN INN FOR MARTON
VISITORS to Blackpool who have been In the Shovels Inn, Common
Edge-road, Marton, in the past just "won't know the old place" when they go there
again this summer.
The new inn, which opened
yesterday, has been built adjoining the old building, which is to be
demolished shortly. When that happens this famous Marton landmark will
disappear after a history dating back 150 years. Subsidence had caused large
cracks in the walls which, in some, places were shored up. It was decided that
it would not be a practical proposition to carry out structural repairs, so it
was agreed to build an entirely new inn. The new inn has been designed on
modern lines. The materials used have given it a bright but not gaudy look and
the building fits in well with the surrounding district.
LARGER
It is also about four times larger than the old place, the
building itself covering about 6,000 square feet and the entire site covering about
three-and-a half acres. A feature of the new Shovels Inn is the large coach park
which is laid out in buff coloured gravel.
The architect has guarded against subsidence. The inn is built
on boggy ground, prevalent in that part of Marton, but as a safeguard he has
allowed for more than 50 piles to be sunk more than 20 feet into the ground.
All the walls are carried or reinforced beams on the ones.
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THE new Shovels Inn, built adjoining the old inn on Common
Edge-road, Marton, is the last word in modernity and comfort.
It is built of cherry red rustic brick and reconstructed stone. The roof is of
Westmorland green slate, and large windows provide ample light for the
interior.
The two front entrances lead directly to the bars. A terrace joins the two
entrances. Inside there are three big rooms—a lounge bar, public bar and a very
spacious recreational lounge.
There is a long central serving bar and at the rear there are
wash-up and staff rooms, and a bottle store. The whole is tastefully decorated. The
top floor of the two-storey building provides ideal living quarters with four
bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, bathroom and office.
Work began last June and the premises have been completed in less than 12 months
for the new Shovels Inn was opened yesterday. It was designed by Mr. L. Normington,
architect to Matthew Brown (Lion Brewery) Ltd., in conjunction with Messrs.
MacKeith, Dickinson and Partners, architects, of Blackpool.
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