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Winter Gardens face uncertain future
BLACKPOOL'S famous Winter Gardens face an uncertain future after being condemned as having "little purpose in the modern world".
A report – leaked to The Gazette – estimates around 20m needs to be spent on repairs to the Victorian buildings which include the Empress Ballroom and the Opera House.
Even if the cash was available it is questionable whether the Grade II listed buildings are viable as a massive entertainment complex, the report states.
Owners Leisure Parcs admit: "Blackpool is in desperate need of regeneration and this four-and-a-half acre site in a key location in the centre of the town cannot be left as a memorial to the past."
Shopping, hotel and leisure facilities are among possible future uses for parts of the site.
The conservation report, commissioned to look at the historical value and future of the complex, has come to light at the same time as Blackpool Council announced it was not extending its annual 1m handout to Leisure Parcs.
The cash is paid annually to maintain the Winter Gardens as a conference centre.
Comment: Why the Winter Gardens must be saved.
For details of the report, and full reaction, pick up a copy of Wednesday's Gazette.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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