Blackpool beauty spot's £60k investment

The investment has seen the pavilion at Devonshire Rock Gardens in North Shore mproved to create more indoor space for use by volunteers with a kitchen, a toilet and meeting area.

Christine Wright, a member of the Friends of Devonshire Rock Gardens, said she hoped it would help to attract more volunteers to help with the upkeep of the park.

She said: “It’s such luxury now to have a little kitchen, heating and a toilet and means the Friends group can hold more events for the community.

“It means we can hold meetings here and hopefully attract more volunteers to join the group.

“Previously it was difficult to expect people to spend a few hours here helping out, when there were no facilities for them to use such as a toilet, and nowhere to get a hot drink.

“So we’re over the moon the work has now been completed and it will make such a difference.”

It had originally been hoped to get the work done earlier in 2021, but delays to supplies held up the project.

The scheme has seen the open aspect of the pavilion closed off while the right hand turret of the building has been converted into a small kitchen and toilet.

Money in the pot for the work included £25,000 of previously awarded ward grant funding, £5,000 from fundraising and a £30,000 contribution from the council’s property services department.

The pavilion, which boasts views towards Beacon Fell, was renovated by members of the friends group in 2014 after falling into a state of disrepair following years of neglect.

The Rock Gardens were opened to the public in 1925, with the area being locally listed and considered to be of environmental significance.

* ​Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here