Next key phase of Morecambe Winter Gardens restoration plans gets green light

The Morecambe Winter Gardens has been given the go ahead to carry out plans to increase its capacity to 1600.

Lancaster City Council has this week granted planning permission and listed building consent for major works on the 19th century theatre as part of its ongoing restoration.

This is the next stage of a comprehensive plan to repair and fully use the Grade II* listed building, which closed in 1977.

It will allow the Marine Road Central venue to significantly increase its capacity from 970 to 1,600 audience members.

The planning application was to demolish a former substation, build a part two/part three storey side extension, install a replacement window, doors and stage door at the back of the theatre, refurbish floors, ceilings, the Circle seating area and bar area, install a lift, and electrical and fire alarm systems.

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, chair of the Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, said she was "relieved and delighted" at the decision.

"It's taken 31 weeks since we put the applications in, in August 2024, and we're delighted at the support we've had from statutory bodies," said Professor Toulmin.

"We are now in a tender process and we will have more details on a timeline (of work) in a couple of weeks."

A Lancaster City Council report, published on its website this week, says: "The application proposes various works to increase the functional capacity of the building which is currently limited by several factors including inadequate fire escape widths, insufficient WC facilities and a lack of accessibility across the building for all users. 

Below, inside the Winter Gardens.

"As part of the scheme the two staircases at either side of the stage will be repaired and brought back into use and seating will be reinstated in the circle.

"A new build extension will also house the majority of the required WC provision and will also contain an evacuation lift, improving access to the upper floors and allowing for less ambulant audience members to exit in the event of a fire. 

"The capacity will increase from 970 to 1,600 following completion of the works.

"It is considered that the former substation to the rear of the building currently has a slight negative effect on the significance of the Listed Building and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area as a result of its utilitarian appearance. Its demolition would therefore be an opportunity for enhancement of the significance of both heritage assets and therefore raises no concerns.

"The proposed extension would primarily be two storey with a lift shaft projection at second floor and would comprise brick with Cor-Ten cladding detailing.

"The requirement for the proposed extension has been clearly and convincingly justified and is in the interest of the long term viable use of the Listed Building.

"The proposed location is considered to be the least harmful to the significance of both the Listed Building and surrounding Conservation Area, as it would allow the new extension to tuck neatly into existing underused space to the side of the building, would not impact on the architecturally significant sea-facing elevation, and would minimise the requirement for new access openings in the historic fabric. 

"The scale, form and massing of the proposed extension are well considered and would not compete with or impede legibility of the form of the Listed Building.

"The design and materials have clearly been chosen to complement and visually assimilate with those of the existing building, while providing a distinct contemporary solution.

"The scheme includes the installation of replacement of window, doors and stage door to rear elevation.  

"The existing single glazed windows are in poor condition and damaged and decayed with missing or loose panes of glass in some instances.  

"The replacement windows will have improved thermal efficiency and will comprise slimline double glazed units with timber frames to match the existing in terms of profile, reveals and beading.  

"Ironmongery will be replaced to match existing as closely as possible and the windows will be painted in an appropriate (oil based) paint to match existing in terms of colour and finish. 

"As such the existing character of the windows will be retained, whilst the thermal efficiency of the building will be enhanced. 

"It is anticipated that the works will provide a decrease in energy loss of around 67 per cent compared to single-glazing and coupled with the new window frames with improved draft strips and seals this decrease in energy loss may likely be even higher. The proposed replacement of windows has raised no objection from the Conservation Team.

"The scheme includes a proposal to widen the existing rear fire escape doors and install a new access door within the side elevation.  These works would result in a minor level of harm as a result of the minor changes to the building’s plan form and loss of historic fabric.

"This harm would be readily outweighed by the benefit of enabling works to secure a long term viable use for the Listed Building.

"The scheme is supported by the Conservation Team and is also welcomed by Historic England.

"Subject to precise details, the proposal is considered acceptable in respect of  design and heritage impacts and will improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

"The scheme will allow for an improved used of the building and contribute to securing its sustainable future while providing an enhancement to the significance of the listed building and surrounding conservation area.

"As such the it is recommended that Listed Building consent can be granted."

Morecambe Winter Gardens was opened as the ‘Victorian Pavilion Theatre’ in 1897.

Since 2006, the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, a volunteer-run group, has owned the theatre.

Restoration work has been taking place on the building for many years, and the theatre continues to open during the spring and summer months at weekends, and for one-off events.

Work has stepped up since March 2023, when the Trust received £2.8m from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF).

Along with smaller grants and matching funds, this financial support will enable the latest work to be carried out.

The full planning applications and decision notices are available to read in the Planning section of the Lancaster City Council website lancaster.gov.uk , reference numbers 24/00844/FUL and 24/00845/LB.

Read more: Next stage revealed of plans for full restoration of Morecambe Winter Gardens - Beyond Radio