Preserving one of Blackpool’s most iconic entertainment venues

Client: Blackpool Council

Conlon Construction delivered a specialist programme of restoration and repair works to the Spanish Hall at Winter Gardens Blackpool, helping safeguard one of the town’s most distinctive and historically significant entertainment spaces for future generations.

Working on behalf of Blackpool Council, the project focused on the careful conservation of key heritage features while ensuring the venue could continue operating as an active part of Blackpool’s cultural and events offer.

The Challenge

The Spanish Hall forms part of the Grade II listed Winter Gardens complex and required extensive restoration works to address deterioration within the roof structure and external fabric.

The project involved complex high-level access works, specialist heritage repairs and detailed investigations into areas of façade failure, all while the wider venue remained operational and accessible to visitors.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a comprehensive programme of conservation and restoration works, including:

• Repair, restoration and re-glazing of the historic Spanish Hall roof
• Like-for-like replacement of failed and deteriorated heritage elements
• Stabilisation and repair of ceramic finishes to the Olympia Building façade
• Parapet repairs and conservation works
• Detailed façade investigations in collaboration with Blackpool Council’s survey team
• Development of specialist repair solutions to address underlying failure mechanisms
• High-level access and heritage restoration works within a live operational environment

Throughout the programme, careful planning and specialist craftsmanship ensured the character and integrity of the building were preserved while extending its operational lifespan.

The Outcome

The completed restoration has protected a key part of Blackpool’s architectural and cultural heritage, ensuring the Spanish Hall continues to serve as an important venue within the Winter Gardens complex.

By combining traditional conservation techniques with modern restoration practices, the project has enhanced the long-term resilience of the building while preserving the historic features that make it such a unique destination.

The quality of delivery was recognised through a Considerate Constructors Scheme Silver Award, alongside an impressive CCS score of 43 out of 50, reflecting the care, professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated throughout the works.

Conlon’s contribution to the successful repair and refurbishment of the project, to the complete satisfaction of the client, has reinvigorated this iconic Grade II* listed building.