Blackpool Council has appointed renowned conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates, to begin the restoration of phase one of the Winter Gardens, a Grade II listed building.

The phase is set to begin in November and runs through until February 2011.

Carefully selected to create the designs to lovingly restore the iconic building, Donald Insall Associates specialises in historic buildings conservation and new buildings in sensitive settings.

In March 2010 Blackpool Council purchased the Winter Gardens, along with Blackpool Tower, Louis Tussauds and the Golden Mile Centre, bringing it into public ownership for the first time in its history. The purchases were made possible following successful bids for European and Government funding and prudential borrowing by the council. This was in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Homes and Communities Agency.


The first phase of the changes will restore Floral Hall and open up the facility for visitors all year round. The Grade II listed building will have its entrance on Church Street and Coronation Street lovingly restored. Work will include restoration of existing features as well as creating new uses such as an exhibition space.

Donald Insall Associates Principal in Chester, Tony Barton, said: "Although we have worked on some of the country's most important historic buildings, nothing prepares you for the splendour of the Winter Gardens. We can't wait to help Blackpool bring it back to life."

(CD/GK)