The Winter Gardens is one of Blackpool’s most iconic heritage assets, located on Church Street in the heart of the town centre. As part of Blackpool Council’s ongoing regeneration strategy, this project focused on restoring the ground floor shopfronts to their original architectural character while supporting local businesses and improving the surrounding public realm.

This heritage led regeneration scheme was delivered through close collaboration between the client, PQS Leeming Associates, Joseph Boniface Architects, and specialist local contractors. Together, the team worked to preserve the building’s historic identity while contributing to Blackpool’s wider vision for sustainable, community focused renewal.

Duration

• Project Start: September 2021

• Completion: February 2022

• Programme Length: Approximately 6 months

Key Improvements Included

• Removal of outdated modern shopfronts and roller shutters.

• Installation of bespoke hardwood shopfronts with period mouldings, capitals, and pilasters.

• Manufacture and installation of stained-glass clerestorey windows.

• Discovery and conservation of perished historic stonework, repaired by local heritage stonemasons.

• Sensitive internal making good and decoration works.

• Phased delivery strategy to maintain business continuity for tenants and ensure public safety throughout

Challenges

• Live public environment: The site was located within a pedestrianised and trading zone, requiring careful planning to protect public safety and tenant operations.

• Weather conditions: Winter weather on the Fylde Coast posed challenges for joinery and installation works, demanding strong coordination and protective measures.

• Historic building sensitivities: Removing later additions revealed deteriorated original stonework, requiring prompt assessment and specialist repair.

• Programme deadlines: The project had to be delivered within funding deadlines, with limited flexibility around key trading periods.

Solutions

• Phased, flexible delivery: Works were sequenced unit by unit, with secure, weather tight hoardings installed after each removal to maintain building security and weather protection.

• Collaborative problem solving: Quick, proactive decision making between the client, architect, and PQS allowed unforeseen issues like the discovery of decayed stone to be resolved efficiently.

• Specialist conservation: Skilled stonemasons were engaged to restore the original stone detailing with heritage appropriate materials.

• Local craftsmanship: All hardwood manufacture, stained glass, and installation were undertaken by Fylde Coast businesses, ensuring high quality and supporting the local economy.

Value Added

For the Community and Client:

• Reinstated the heritage appearance of a key Blackpool landmark.

• Enhanced the visual character of Church Street, improving the wider town centre environment.

• Strengthened local economic value by using local suppliers and craftspeople.

• Minimized disruption to tenants and the public throughout construction.

As a Company:

• Delivered a complex heritage restoration under challenging site conditions and tight timeframes.

• Demonstrated agility and professionalism in responding to unforeseen issues during construction.

• Reinforced our reputation for delivering heritage-led regeneration projects that combine conservation quality with community impact.

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere thanks to Leeming Associates and Joseph Boniface Architects for their exceptional collaboration and swift response to unexpected on site challenges. Their proactive approach and attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring a smooth, successful delivery and a high quality outcome for the client and community.

Total Project Value: £250,000.00