Major work will soon begin to reopen an upper floor at the Morecambe Winter Gardens for the first time in almost 40 years.
Contractors have been appointed to build an extension at the iconic theatre on Marine Road and work to reopen the Circle overlooking the main auditorium and stage.
Reopening the Circle for the first time since the Grade II* listed building closed in 1977, will help to increase the venue capacity from 970 to 1600.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, from owners the Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, said the building work would make it "one of the biggest music venues in the North West".
LISTEN to Professor Vanessa Toulmin talking about upcoming work at the Winter Gardens
Rosslee Construction, from Accrington, have been appointed to lead the project.
"We went out to a government tender process which has gone on for about eight months," said Professor Toulmin.
"They are a good Lancashire company and have worked on many historic buildings before.
"We were impressed and they (said) they would use local contractors and suppliers, and that was important to us.
"It means we transform the Circle and the building into a 1600 capacity.
"The second level needs a lot of love and care."
Below, this photo shows the Circle - the middle floor of the spectacular theatre, with 'the Gods' above which will remain closed for now.
She said work would include a "three-storey block with lift and staircase, and 38 toilets".
At the moment the building has four toilets inside, and portable loos outside.
Other work will include on the staircases behind the stage, refitting of chandeliers, and a full electrical rewiring of the 19th Century theatre.
"People will be able to see week-in, week-out, the improvements," she said.
"By the end of next June we'll be reopening fully with a 1600 capacity venue and now I need the people of Morecambe to fill it!
"We want to get it rocking as a live music venue. We need a place where people can come to Morecambe and Lancaster and see great bands."
Below, the Winter Gardens on Marine Road Central in Morecambe.
Andy Broome, from Rosslee, said he was "very pleased and excited" to be working on the project.
LISTEN to Andy Broome from Ross Lee Construction
"We're probably looking to start (at the) end of August and go into mid-year, next year," he said.
"It's fantastic, to work on something with the heritage this building has. To look at how they are restoring it inside, back to its original state, is just great.
"There's a big responsibility, but it's good for the community."
Mr Broome showed us where the extension will be built - below.
Meanwhile, the building will remain open to the public at weekends until the end of September, and will continue to open for individual events after that.
Upcoming Winter Gardens events include Sing-a-long-a-Sound of Music, the Morecambe Poetry Festival, singer Eddi Reader and a show by TV presenter Terry Christian.
"It's a difficult time for venues at the moment," said Professor Toulmin.
"If you want to keep those venues open, come to the great venues we have in Morecambe. All of them need support.
"Get on your dancing shoes, listen to the music or just come and have a cup of tea in the Winter Gardens. Keep it local."
Earlier this year, Lancaster City Council granted planning permission and listed building consent for the work.
This is the next stage of a comprehensive plan to repair and fully use the theatre - including 'the Gods' in the future.
The planning application was to demolish a former substation, build a part two/part three storey side extension, install a replacement window, doors and stage door at the back of the theatre, refurbish floors, ceilings, the Circle seating area and bar area, install a lift, and electrical and fire alarm systems.
Morecambe Winter Gardens was opened as the ‘Victorian Pavilion Theatre’ in 1897.
Below, the theatre foyer. Photo credit: Duncan Robert Blair.
Since 2006, the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, a volunteer-run group, has owned the theatre.
Restoration work has been taking place on the building for many years, and the theatre continues to open during the spring and summer months at weekends, and for one-off events.
Work has stepped up since March 2023, when the trust received £2.8m from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF).
Along with smaller grants and matching funds, this financial support will enable the latest work to be carried out.
Read more: Next key phase of Morecambe Winter Gardens restoration plans gets green light - Beyond Radio
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