Blackpool's £1.7m Winter Gardens loan to kickstart multi-million pound improvement plan

The money, which would come from the council’s £200m Business Loans Fund, would be used to make improvements to boost revenue at the historic venue.

Full financial details have not been made public, but it is expected the loan would be repaid through increased takings.

The council’s Shareholders Committee is being asked to agree the recommendations when it meets on Monday September 5.

A report to the committee says: “For the Winter Gardens to remain at the forefront of the local and regional economy, driving inbound tourism whilst creating memorable experiences for visitors, it needs to continue to invest in the key infrastructure of the Grade II* listed building.

“The loan will allow the upgrade of lifts, toilets and fixtures and fittings which will help to secure the future of the business and to protect the building for future generations.

“The loan will also allow Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited to invest in revenue enhancement projects that will drive a return on investment to secure future business opportunities for the venue and the town.”

An extensive survey of the building by heritage experts Jubb & Jubb has identified more than £19m of investment is needed over the next 10 years.

The long term vision includes £4m of essential work to the Coronation Street facade, and a £5m redevelopment of the Horseshoe exhibition area and Pavilion Theatre.

Another £1m needs to be spent on the Church Street facade, and the council has set up a dedicated team to seek funding for all three projects.

This year saw the opening of the £30m conference centre with its own entrance on Leopold Grove.

Planning approval was also granted in August for changes to the Cafe Mazzei and the Empress Grill, which both open out into the Floral Hall.

The art deco Cafe Mazzei will be transformed into a destination lounge bar with a disused serving area brought back into use, while the Empress Grill will be used more widely as a hot food venue.

Both schemes are aimed at boosting revenue at the Winter Gardens.