Spanish Room roof repairs centrepiece of Winter Gardens restoration scheme
The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, noted for its conferences, darts, and live performance. Image by Paul J. Martin (via Shutterstock).
If you are going to Blackpool this summer, its Tower and the Pleasure Beach amusement park may be top of your bucket list. Instead of being 518 feet above sea level, or moving at 85 mph on The Big One, there are plenty of alternatives. Not only the resort’s three piers, also the Winter Gardens which is behind Blackpool Tower. It has an internationally renowned reputation for live performance and conferences but is in need of tender loving care. This September, it will benefit from roof repairs.
The Blackpool Winter Gardens was opened in 1878 and includes a variety of rooms for conferences, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. At this time of writing, it is hosting the BetVictor PDC Matchplay Darts championships. It is noted for political party conferences and live performances. The Empress Ballroom is noted for its Wurlitzer whereas the Opera House is one of Blackpool’s top theatres.
The Spanish Room, where the roof repairs shall be taking place is popular for smaller functions. Its roof has been covered in drapes lately with its lantern roof out of public view from inside. As well as roof repairs, there will also be refurbishment work on its ceiling.
Its Coronation Street entrance suffers from leakage, which has loosened the tiles. The total needed for the job is £895,000. This will involve funding from Blackpool Borough Council’s capital funding programme (£600,000 – already agreed in Spring 2017) and a grant from Historic England. The latter, to the tune of £500,000.
Work is set to begin in September, with completion expected to be in the following month.
KC Smith Industrial Roofing and Cladding, 27 July 2017.
