A MAJOR step towards preserving the landmark conservatory in Blackburn's Corporation Park has been secured.

Historic England has agreed to provide £68,400 towards a series of studies aimed at safeguarding the crumbling grade II listed structure.

Council chiefs have now released an equivalent amount from a strategic reserve fund so a viable future can be plotted for the 124-year-old edifice, with the backing of the Corporation Park Supporters Group.

This will support a building condition survey, heritage assessment and drainage and asbestos checks, as well as a design options appraisal, giving suggestions for possible future uses.

Under a management and maintenance plan, environmental and security considerations can be incorporated, before any proposals are brought before stakeholders.

The authority has made unsuccessful attempts before, in 2012 and 2014, to secure National Heritage Lottery Fund backing for the conservatory's revival.

But while the latest Historic England grant, as part of their 'Repairs to Heritage At Risk' programme, could lead to more concrete preservation moves for the landmark.

In a report by Cllr Jim Smith, the borough's environment cabinet member, the precarious state of the conservatory has been detailed.

Cllr Smith reports: "In recent years, the structure of the conservatory has deteriorated to the point where it was closed to the public in 2016.

"In 2019, the roof of the west wing collapsed, the east wing structure is currently intact however it is suffering from corrosion and timber supports have been installed to prop the cantilever canopy of the east wing.

"More recently the glass panes have been removed from the roof of the east wing to avoid structural damage to the roof in the event of heavy snowfall. The conservatory has had to be fenced off to prevent public access on grounds of health and safety."

Work on the new studies must begin before May 30 and be completed by the end of the year.

Cllr Smith adds: "Once the project development work has been completed, it would enable the council to then submit a capital funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the conservatory."