Winter Gardens - Heritage Project

Our Work

Winter Gardens

Project Summary

  • Start date: September 2021
  • Completion date: February 2022

Introduction

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.

Project Overview

Heritage restoration supporting town centre regeneration

This project formed part of Blackpool Council’s wider regeneration strategy, focusing on reinstating the original architectural character of the Winter Gardens’ ground floor frontage. Delivered within a live town centre environment, the works balanced conservation requirements with modern commercial needs, ensuring minimal disruption to tenants while enhancing the visual quality and long term value of this landmark building..

Project Details

Property Type

Heritage / Commercial (Town Centre Retail)

Client

Blackpool Council

Scope

Restoration of ground floor shopfronts including removal of modern installations, installation of bespoke hardwood shopfronts, stained glass features, and conservation of historic stonework.

Occupancy

Live tenanted commercial units within an active public trading environment

Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

  • Live public environment within a busy pedestrianised trading zone
  • Winter weather conditions affecting joinery and installation works
  • Discovery of deteriorated historic stonework during strip out
  • Strict programme deadlines linked to funding and trading periods

Solutions

How We Delivered

  • Phased, flexible delivery maintaining safe access and business continuity
  • Strong coordination and protective measures to mitigate weather impact
  • Rapid collaborative decision making to address unforeseen heritage issues
  • Engagement of specialist stonemasons for appropriate conservation repairs

Removal of Modern Shopfronts

Outdated shopfronts and roller shutters were carefully removed to reveal and prepare the original façade.

Bespoke Hardwood Shopfront Installation

New hardwood shopfronts were installed, incorporating period mouldings, capitals, and pilasters in keeping with the building’s heritage.

Stained Glass Features

Manufacture and installation of stained glass clerestorey windows to enhance historic character.

Historic Stonework Restoration

Previously concealed and perished stonework was uncovered and repaired by specialist local stonemasons..

Internal Making Good

Sensitive internal repairs and decoration works completed to ensure a high quality finish throughout

Phased Delivery & Business Continuity

A structured, unit by unit delivery approach ensured safety, security, and minimal disruption to tenants and the public.

Value Added

For the Community and Client

  • Reinstated the heritage appearance of a key Blackpool landmark
  • Enhanced the visual character of Church Street and surrounding town centre
  • Supported the local economy through use of Fylde Coast suppliers and craftspeople
  • Maintained safe public access and minimized disruption throughout

Public Impact

The project has significantly improved the streetscape within a key pedestrian route, creating a more attractive and historically authentic environment for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Social Value

By prioritising local craftsmanship and suppliers, the scheme contributed directly to the Fylde Coast economy while preserving traditional skills and supporting community focused regeneration.

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.

Project Cost

Total Project Value: £250,000.00

6 Months

Duration

£250,000

Total Cost

Blackpool

Location

Occupied

During Works