Blackpool Winter Gardens to shut for conference centre power switch

The complex, owned by Blackpool Council, will be closed from Friday until Monday.

"This is an essential part of the programme to allow the current electricity supply to be moved into its new position ahead of the opening of the conference centre in summer 2019."

The closure has been planned for some time and Winter Gardens management says no events have been affected. Tickets for shows and events can still be purchased from www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

The work requiring the closure is being carried out now because it is during a quieter time.

The spokesman added: "Despite it being a busy weekend in the resort, the works taking place now minimise disruption.

"The Winter Gardens is typically busier outside of August when many events and conferences take place whereas these type of events don't take place in the summer months.

"It’s an exciting stage of development which will see the area fully powered ahead of opening next year."

Steelwork for the frame of the new conference centre on Leopold Grove is now in place. Once completed, it will mean the Winter Gardens will be able to hold up to 7,000 delegates.

The cost is being met through £15m from the government's Growth Deal, £7m from Blackpool Council and £2.9m from the Coastal Communities Fund.

Plans for a three-to-five storey hotel on land between Leopold Grove, Adelaide Street and Alfred Street that would connect directly with the new conference centre were also approved by Blackpool Council in June.