Plans have been revealed for a new conference centre in Blackpool.

Proposals for the new facility at the Winter Gardens Complex will be discussed by councillors at a meeting on Monday, 18 July.

If approved, formal bids will be submitted for external funding to develop the new centre on the former split level car park site on Leopold Grove.

Features include a modern conference hall for 2,000 delegates, a 1,200sq m exhibition hall and break-out spaces with catering facilities. In addition, the building will link to both the Empress Ballroom and the Opera House, forming a flexible venue with joint capacities of up to 7,000.


Outline designs have been commissioned from architects Bissett Adams and the outline scheme has now been submitted for planning officials to consider. Construction materials are to be agreed at a later stage, however Bissett Adams are exploring options around cast terracotta and ceramic finishes.

Council Leader Simon Blackburn said the local authority hopes to gain up to £20 million in funding towards construction costs through the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

"Since Labour took control of the Council in 2011, we have been working on options to secure large-scale business tourism and conferencing facilities for the town," he said.

"The recent demolition of the car park at the Winter Gardens has provided a rare opportunity to build on land the Council already owns and which directly connects to two of our most iconic venues.

"Much of the detail is yet to be resolved - but behind the scenes we have been talking to agencies like Historic England to make sure the development of designs protects the historic significance of the building whilst delivering the biggest economic impact possible."

(LM/MH)