Morecambe Winter Gardens expansion progresses
Plans to increase the capacity of the grade two star-listed venue from 970 to 1,600 have been lodged with Lancaster City Council.
Designed by Buttress, the £2.7m government-funded scheme aims to address several issues that limit the number of people that can be accommodated within Morecambe Winter Gardens at present.
Interventions proposed include widening fire escapes, improving toilet facilities, and upgrading the building’s accessibility.
In addition, one of the venue’s bars will be refurbished, while seats will be reinstated in the circle. The windows are to be replaced, while the stage is also in line for a refurb.
A new-build extension containing toilets and an evacuation lift is also planned, as well as updated electrical and fire alarm systems.
Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust is leading the revitalisation of the 127-year-old building. The theatre opened in 1897 and hosted a variety of performances from The Who and Julie Andrews before it was closed in 1977.
The building overlooks the site of the proposed Eden Project Morecambe, billed as a game-changer for the seaside town.
The Winter Gardens’ proximity to Eden could be “hugely beneficial”, according to a design and access statement prepared by Buttress, as there is scope to offer “combined tickets and other incentives, encouraging visitors to extend their stay in the area”.
To learn more, search for application reference number 24/00844/FUL on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.
