Restoring the Morecambe Winter Gardens

In this film by Historic England, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Chair of the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, talks about the project to restore and regenerate the Morecambe Winter Gardens.

In its heyday, the Winter Gardens was a sparkling example of the entertainment venues that were the essence of English seaside towns. With lavish interiors and striking features, the original complex combined swimming baths, an aquarium, winter gardens and restaurants.

After a decline in English seaside holidays, by 1982, the whole complex was closed to the public. The only remaining part is the theatre, which dates back to 1897.

With help from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust and the dedicated group of volunteers are a step closer to achieving their aim: to fully restore and reopen the glorious Grade II* building, so it can be at the heart of Morecambe once again.

Opened as the Victoria Pavillion in 1897, the Winter Gardens is a Grade II* listed variety, theatre and concert hall in the heart of Morecambe. The building was saved from demolition by the people of Morecambe in 1985 and is now run by the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust - a volunteer-led, charitable organisation who are writing a new chapter and restoring this magical place to its former glory.