Â£25m conference centre build in Blackpool to begin in October

An artists impression of how the Â£25m conference plan will look

The town’s planning committee unanimously agreed proposals to build the complex on the Leopold Grove side of the Victorian venue.

Michael Williams, managing director of the Winter Gardens, said: “The process of selecting a contractor is now underway and we are proposing to start work this October with completion by spring 2019.

“We have been working on the plans for the last eight or nine months and it was great news they were passed by the committee.

£25m conference centre to put resort back in big league

“Once work starts, it is going to be a partnership with the contractor to ensure none of the events at the Winter Gardens are affected and that disruption is minimised, including for our neighbours.”

Planners, who had recommended the scheme for approval, said in their report: “The building has been designed so as not to overpower the two existing main entrances and is considered to respond appropriately to the existing architecture and will link well into the existing complex.”

Mr Williams added the venue was already promoting itself to potential clients who may bring their future conferences to the resort.

Blackpool was awarded £25m of Government funding last month towards the conference centre as part of a £556m cash boost for the Northern Powerhouse.

The venue will be able to host up to 7,000 delegates.