Electricity Showroom and Offices. St James’s Square Bacup

Three storey building with passenger lift comprising electricity showrooms, offices for PAC (Public Assistance Committee), offices for Education Committee and Rates Office for Town Council

The Bacup Corporation electricity showroom in St. James Square, one of the few 20th century additions to the town, was constructed in Art Deco style in 1938, involving the loss of the George and Dragon Public House. This was the only outcome of a plan for the redevelopment of the town centre which had been prepared by the architect Arthur Brocklehurst. He planned the clearance of much of the historic townscape in favour of an Art Deco inspired group of municipal buildings, offices, shops and dwellings, but his proposals were overtaken by the outbreak of war.

Reference           Builder 24 September 1937 Page 569