Morecambe’s New Silver Café by Arca Architects

When you picture a classic British seaside café, you might think of faded wood panels, plastic chairs, and a warm but unremarkable aesthetic. But in Morecambe, a town on England’s northwest coast, architects have reimagined what a beachside coffee spot can look like—with striking results.

The new Morecambe Silver Café, designed by Manchester-based Arca Architects, is now a defining new landmark for the town. Its standout feature? A continuous stainless steel band that wraps the café’s sides and roof, paired with full-height glass walls facing both the street and the bay.

What Is the Morecambe Silver Café?

The Morecambe Silver Café is a newly completed structure situated in Morecambe’s pedestrianised square. It functions as both a café and a public facility, developed under the “Reclaiming Morecambe” initiative led by Lancashire County Council’s development committee. The project includes not only the café but also adjacent public toilets. Arca Architects were commissioned to bring a bold yet functional design to this coastal site.

Who Designed It and Why Does It Matter?

Arca Architects was founded in 1998 when John Lee left the firm Grimshaw to start his own practice. Since then, the small but forward-thinking studio has earned a reputation for innovative, award-winning work. Their notable projects include the Greengate development in Salford, refurbishment work at Tate Liverpool, and residential schemes in Highgate, London. They’ve also won high-profile design competitions such as Timber Wharf and Hulme/Knott Bridge, along with a 2000 UK “Visual 100” award for innovation.

How Is the Café Designed?

The café is built into a raised platform above the sea wall, giving it both prominence and practical protection from coastal elements. Its most distinctive feature is the continuous stainless steel band that encircles the building’s two longest sides and the roof, creating a sleek, reflective surface. This metallic element is paired with large glass panels—on the façade facing the entrance and the side overlooking Morecambe Bay. These glazing systems are engineered to withstand harsh marine conditions while offering unobstructed views of the sea. The overall form has been described as a “full stop” on the western coast, providing a striking visual conclusion to the shoreline.

In addition to the main café structure, there is a two-storey outdoor seating area on the southern side, facing south for optimal sun exposure. The stepped terrain allows for flexible seating arrangements that activate the surrounding public space. Even the public toilets reflect the project’s robust material approach, using materials like solid oak doors and steel fittings.

What Materials Were Used?

The primary materials include stainless steel for the wrapping band and roof, toughened glass for the facades, and durable timber and steel for the public conveniences. The stainless steel not only provides a striking aesthetic but also offers resilience against the salty, windy coastal climate. The glass panels offer transparency and weather resistance, ensuring durability without sacrificing views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Morecambe Silver Café?

The Morecambe Silver Café was designed by Arca Architects, a Manchester-based firm founded in 1998 by John Lee after he left Grimshaw. Arca is known for its innovative and award-winning architectural projects.

What is unique about the café’s design?

The café features a continuous stainless steel band that wraps around its sides and roof, along with large glass walls facing both the entrance and Morecambe Bay. This combination creates a striking visual identity and offers expansive sea views.

Where is the Morecambe Silver Café located?

The café is located in Morecambe, a seaside town on the northwest coast of England, within a pedestrianised square on the town’s seafront.

What other structures were part of the project?

In addition to the café, the project included the design and construction of new public toilets nearby, using durable materials like solid oak and steel.

Has Arca Architects worked on other well-known projects?

Yes, Arca has completed notable projects including the Greengate development in Salford, a renovation at Tate Liverpool, residential work in Highgate, London, and has won several design competitions such as Timber Wharf and Hulme/Knott Bridge.

What makes the outdoor seating area special?

The café features a two-storey outdoor seating area on its southern side, which takes advantage of the sun and the stepped site to create flexible, inviting spaces for visitors.

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