Plan to enclose Blackpool attraction and provide year-round use

Volunteers have applied for planning permission to create an enclosed indoor area at the pavilion which is the centre point of the Devonshire Rock Gardens.

If it gets the go ahead, the scheme would see the open aspect of the structure converted to provide space for community use. The right hand turret building would be converted to a small kitchen and a public toilet.

A design brief accompanying the application says: “The central area only has an open timber pagoda structure above.

“The majority of fundraising events take place in this space, but often events have had to be cancelled or postponed because of inclement weather.

“The Friends of Devonshire Rock Gardens want to extend the capabilities of the shelter by enclosing this central raised stepped area below a pitched roof and front elevation facing wall, with centrally located external double door entrance with windows positioned either side symmetrically. ”

The shelter, 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. The area is locally listed and is considered of environmental importance.

The volunteers add in their application: “Once the new shelter alterations have taken place, the building will be able to hold small fundraising events inside and under cover.

“They will also be able to take place all year round which will provide the friends group the opportunity to vary small charitable events from stalls selling limited goods to small exhibition events.

“The Friends group also want to provide limited service to visitors by providing a refreshment facility.”

The application will now go before town hall planners at a future date.

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