The original Fleetwood Cottage hospital opened on Pharos Street, 11th May 1895, beginning over 130 years of continuous support for the local community on the site of The HUB Fleetwood.

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In the years that followed many specialist healthcare services were delivered from the expanding building, the hospital was to all intents purposes a 'community hub' long before the expression was commonplace. Many local residents have fond memories of working at Fleetwood Hospital or visiting relatives, without the need to travel to Blackpool or further.

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However while the NHS Outpatients Department has remained operational on Pharos Street and is a highly valued community asset, other services were withdrawn and the building was largely unoccupied, unused and in a very poor state of repair when purchased by The Fleetwood Trust in November 2018.

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The Fleetwood Trust partnership was founded with a shared vision to regenerate the building, creating a thriving hub with facilities, services and opportunities for local people, groups and businesses. Registered as a charity in January 2019, the trust is made up of individuals living, working and volunteering in the town, and all passionate about making a positive difference in the community. > Contact info@fleetwoodtrust.co.uk for more information about their work

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After an initial period of maintenance to the building including essential repairs to the roof and the installation of over 160 energy-efficient windows, work began on the spaces for community partners, although this was delayed by the covid pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.

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In October 2020, The Pantry Foodbank operated by Faith in the Community was the first partner organisation to join The HUB followed over the next two years by the Volunteer Centre Wyre, Regenda Homes and accessed from the Bold Street end of the building, Blackpool & Fylde College and Macmillan Cancer Support opened their Fleetwood bases. Counselling in the Community also have a presence at The Hub for pre-booked appointments.

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The next phase of development saw Healthier Fleetwood move into their Community Information Centre in February 2025 and in the Summer of the same year, One Fylde opened the wonderful Heart of the Hub community cafe. During 2026 the Thrive Partnership and the Level Up Family Hub also joined the partners on site, taking a vacant space on North Albert Street.

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What's next? A planning application has been submitted to convert the upper floor of the building into accommodation specifically for students who will attend Fleetwood's world-renowned Nautical College from 2027 onwards - a fantastic opportunity for the Town to play a part in furthering the careers of future mariners - very much in the Fleetwood DNA.