Blackpool icon restored to former beauty after 80 years
The results of a £1.9m restoration to Blackpool’s Grade II-listed Spanish Hall have been revealed as heritage specialists Conlon Construction hand over the Winter Gardens following a 14-months project.
It’s the first time in 15 years that the entire Spanish Hall has been on display, with rainwater taking its toll over the years and temporary structures having been erected below the glazing to prevent significant damage.
Famed for its plasterwork and Andalusian style, the Spanish Hall was built in 1931.
It was originally used as a tea venue and is also famed for its adjoining renaissance room that acted as a war office and even hosted Winston Churchill during the Second World War.
Today, the Spanish Hall plays host to conferences, concerts and local events, and can house a capacity of 600.
Michael Conlon, chairman at Oldham-based Conlon Construction, said: “The Winter Gardens play such a big part in the seaside town experience and it was a real pleasure to preserve this beautiful historic asset.
“The buildings are a real icon of Blackpool and can now be enjoyed by future visitors for generations to come.”
He added: “Ensuring the Winter Gardens remained fully operational throughout the duration of the works was of huge importance. This required meticulous planning to balance the commercial needs of the venue with the careful protection of its intricate, listed decoration.
“This project was a privilege to work on and adds to our extensive heritage expertise, accumulated over decades across the North West and beyond.”
The work was funded by Blackpool Council and Historic England, and was procured through the North West Construction Hub (NWCH).
Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader Blackpool Council, said: “It is wonderful to see the Spanish Hall restored in such detail with all of its intricate beauty now on display.
“The Spanish Hall has a rich and fascinating history, so it is fitting that it has been carefully restored by specialists. It is an impressive space that can once again be fully appreciated by event and conference attendees and will be enjoyed well into the future.”
Conlon Construction was also awarded a Silver award for the Winter Gardens project at the National Site Awards 2019.
Hosted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the awards celebrate the country’s most outstanding building projects and recognise those who maintain the industry’s ethical standards, including being sensitive to the environment, communities and neighbourhoods within which they operate.
