The Winter Gardens has applied for permission for the next phase of a plan to restore the theatre to its former glory.
Planning applications have gone in to Lancaster City Council for the next stage of a comprehensive plan to repair and fully use the Grade II* listed building, which closed in 1977.
This latest phase will allow the Marine Road Central venue to significantly increase its capacity from 970 to 1,600 audience members.
The proposed work will include demolishing a former substation, building a part two/part three storey side extension, installing a replacement window, doors and stage door at the back of the theatre, refurbishing floors, ceilings, the Circle seating area and bar area, installing a lift, and electrical and fire alarm systems.
Since 2006, the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust (MWGPT), a volunteer-run group, has owned the Winter Gardens on a freehold basis and since has worked hard to secure and stabilise the building’s condition.
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).
This enabled the appointment of a professional team to develop a comprehensive scheme for the building.
Read more: New team starts work at Morecambe Winter Gardens - Beyond Radio
Along with smaller grants and matching funds, this financial support will enable the latest work to be carried out, subject to planning permission.
A Design and Access Statement, submitted with the plans, says: "The main aspiration of this project is to bring the circle back into use, increasing the venue’s capacity to 1,600, drawing in larger performances and audiences from a wider and broader geographical area.
"Unfortunately, at present several factors limit the capacity of the venue, including inadequate fire escape widths, insufficient WC facilities and a lack of accessibility across the building for all users.
"Within the proposed scheme, the two stairs at either side of the stage will be repaired and brought back into use and the seating will be reinstated in the circle.
"A new build extension will also house the majority of the required WC provision and also contains an evacuation lift, improving access to the upper floors and allowing for disabled audience members to exit with dignity in the event of a fire.
"Furthermore, the scheme will establish the necessary infrastructure to enable the venue to eventually reach its full potential of accommodating 2,100 audience members (with the stalls standing).
"This will involve a complete refurbishment of the electrical system, installation of a new fire alarm system, and widening of fire escape routes to cater for the larger audience and staff numbers.
"The extension will also ensure that there are sufficient WC facilitates to meet the demands of the increased capacity.
"During the design development of the scheme, Historic England have been re-engaged on the project with a meeting to discuss the proposals on site with Buttress and Place Capital group on 21st February. Feedback was largely positive with the design for the scheme including the extension being supported.
"A subsequent advice letter has also been received expressing that there are no objections to the proposals.
"Theatres Trust have also provided invaluable advice and guidance during the scheme’s design development, particularly in regard to the WC provision."
In 2023 we spoke to Professor Vanessa Toulmin, chair of the Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, who explained the plans for the full restoration of the theatre.
Read more: INTERVIEW: Winter Gardens chair lays out plan to restore theatre to its heyday - Beyond Radio
Professor Toulmin is pictured below with King Charles when he visited the theatre in 2022.
Morecambe Winter Gardens was opened as the ‘Victorian Pavilion Theatre’ in 1897.
The full planning applications are available to read in the Planning section of the Lancaster City Council website lancaster.gov.uk
The council will decide whether to grant permission, in due course.
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