Why being on Theatres At Risk Register is positive for Morecambe Winter Gardens

The team restoring the Winter Gardens in Morecambe say being on a list of theatres 'at risk' is a good thing as they promised a "year of huge transformation".

This week the theatre was included on the annual Theatres At Risk Register by the Theatres Trust.

The Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, who own the 19th century building on Marine Road, said this was "a good thing" for the theatre as work continues to restore it to its former glory.

The long-term aim is to completely restore the Winter Gardens as a 2,500 capacity venue for events.

Although the building closed in 1977, it has opened up to the public regularly in recent years during the ongoing programme of restoration, which is set to continue in 2025.

The At Risk Register includes 43 theatres under threat of permanent closure, redevelopment, or demolition across the UK.

All have strong architectural merit, cultural heritage or value to the local community as performance venues.

"Being on the 'At Risk Register' means that the incredible work happening here – led by the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust and a team of dedicated volunteers – has been recognised nationally," said a trust spokesperson.

"The listing highlights its historic significance and ensures it remains in the spotlight for restoration funding and support.

"Over the years, huge progress has been made.

"Nearly £4.6m has been raised for restoration, enabling works like repairing the magnificent fibrous plaster ceiling, improving heating systems, and making structural enhancements.

"Recently, £2.74m was awarded for additional improvements as part of the Cultural Development Fund.

"Theatre goers and visitors from across the UK are already showing their love, proving the Winter Gardens’ potential to fully reopen as a leading performance venue and a vibrant part of Morecambe’s growing cultural scene.

"With the Eden Project Morecambe on the horizon, the Winter Gardens will play a key role in transforming the area into a year-round destination.

"The listing isn’t just about risks—it's about recognising this jewel’s immense potential and securing a future where it continues to thrive for decades to come.

"Great to be recognised for all our work. Yes we have still some way to go but this year will see a huge transformation and change."

The Theatres Trust said: "Morecambe Winter Gardens has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since 2006 when we started the list.

"The building is operated by Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust Ltd (MWGPT), which, alongside invaluable help from local volunteers, has been slowly restoring the theatre and bringing it back into use.

"Since 2020, MWGPT, under new governance and leadership, has built on the work of the previous administration and made even greater progress.

"The work achieved to date has allowed the theatre to open to the public for a mixed programme of entertainment, operating from the ground floor and stalls only.

"While the circle level and upper levels are open for public tours, they are currently undergoing restoration.

"In March 2023 Morecambe Winter Gardens was awarded £2.74m through the Cultural Development Fund for works to provide additional accommodation including a new toilet block, circulation, and evacuation routes as well as continued restoration work.

"This is the first phase of a larger project for Winter Gardens to be fully reopened and operating at its full potential.

"Additional significant funding will be required to realise the ambition of completely restoring the building as a 2,500 capacity music venue.  

"This is a landmark building at the very heart of Morecambe that has seen a great amount of support from the local community over many years. The Winter Gardens is in use as a performance venue hosting a broad programme of entertainment.

"Audience data indicates that the Winter Gardens has attracted visitors from Cumbria, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Northumberland, as well as other parts of the UK, helping evidence that the venue can draw audiences from a wide area.

"The data helps evidence the viability of the Winter Gardens to be returned to a large-scale music and live performance venue.

"The continued use of this building would also assist with urban renewal and is listed as a cultural asset in the Lancashire Cultural Strategy through Creative Lancashire.

"Eden Project Morecambe, which is on a site opposite the theatre, will be a transformational project for Morecambe that will help promote all-year-round visitor activity and subsequently greater demand for performance and entertainment linked to the night-time economy, of which the Winter Gardens will form an important part.

"The last four years have seen successes in fundraising and some great strides made towards both restoration of the building and stability of the organisation.

"The project continues to grow in profile with national, as well as local, interest.

"In July 2022, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, now King Charles III, visited Morecambe Winter Gardens, where he unveiled a plaque for the royal box to commemorate the building's 125th anniversary.

"He also praised volunteers for their determination and the progress made in restoring the historic theatre.

"In November 2023 the volunteers at Morecambe Winter Gardens were awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, an award to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

"Theatres Trust continues to provide advice and support to MWGPT, working closely with MWGPT and its chair, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, to help prioritise the needs of both the building and its operation.

"Historic England, Architectural Heritage Fund, and the council are also providing essential stakeholder support. Together with Theatres Trust, all parties are aiming to help MWGPT grow in strength and capacity and to determine a route to allow this magnificent Grade II* listed building to be fully restored and reopened."

Last year, the trust applied for planning permission for work enabling the theatre to significantly increase its capacity from 970 to 1,600 audience members.

The proposed work will include demolishing a former substation, building a part two/part three storey side extension, installing a replacement window, doors and stage door at the back of the theatre, refurbishing floors, ceilings, the Circle seating area and bar area, installing a lift, and electrical and fire alarm systems.

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

Concert will test first new sound and lighting system at Morecambe Winter Gardens for 50 years - Beyond Radio