Construction work could begin autumn 2017 on the new £25million conference centre at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. This follows approval by Blackpool Council.

The new-look Winter Gardens could be hosting their first conference in 2019.

The new centre is set to be built on the site of the former car park on Leopold Grove. It will provide extensive conferencing facilities including breakout rooms and exhibition space. It will complement existing space including the Empress Ballroom and the Opera House.

When complete the Winter Gardens Conference and Exhibition Centre will be able to accommodate up to 7,000 delegates.

Planning permission has already been granted to build a hotel across the road from the Winter Gardens.

Meanwhile a new planning application has also been submitted to create a museum on the site as well.  The museum would to bring together artefacts, stories and memories, which together tell the story of Blackpool.

The museum will include 20,000 sq-ft of permanent exhibition space, 2,500 sq-ft for temporary exhibitions, and 6,000 sq-ft for learning and rehearsal space for performances together with a 120-seat lecture theatre.

The museum is intended to complement other facilities at the wider Winter Gardens site, including the new conference centre.

Details: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk