New conference facilities planned for Blackpool's Winter Gardens

A brand new conference centre could form the next step in the revival and regeneration of Blackpool's visitor economy.

If the Executive agrees to progressing the plans, Blackpool Council will formally submit bids for external funding to build a brand new, purpose designed conference venue on the former split level car park site on Leopold Grove. The new-build venue will include a state of the art conference hall for 2,000 delegates, a 1,200sqm exhibition hall and break out spaces as well as much needed catering facilities.

Started in 1878, Blackpool Winter Gardens developed to become one of the most important entertainment centres in the country and after World War II, conferencing became a core part of the offer, with all the major political parties holding their annual conferences at the venue. This changed in 2007 with all parties moving their national conferences out of Blackpool.

The outline scheme, which has now been submitted to planning, delivers all of the above, particularly in how it deals with connecting the new building and the Empress Ballroom. Construction materials will be agreed at a later stage but the architects are currently exploring options around cast terracotta and ceramic finishes which are a direct reference to the materials of which the rest of the complex is built.

“The recent demolition of the car park at the Winter Gardens has provided a rare opportunity to build on land the Council already owns and which directly connects to two of our most iconic venues.

“Through the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and the Lancashire Combined Authority, I am hopeful that we can gain up to £20 million in funding towards construction costs - but these are highly competitive bidding processes, which will need support from businesses and other councils across Lancashire. Huge amounts of work are being undertaken, by me and others, to try and turn this dream into reality. If we are successful, this will herald a dramatic new chapter on Blackpool's long and proud conference history."