MORECAMBE'S famous landmark the Winter Gardens is set to become a multi-purpose theatre to hold concerts, conferences and banquets. The 19th Century theatre which has stood derelict for nearly two decades is set to be restored to its former glory in a two phase set of plans totalling £3 million. And in spite of a number of false starts, work on the new project is expected to get under way next week.

Cllr Geraldine Smith said over the years the derelict theatre, which has been renamed Victoria Pavilion, had become an symbol of Morecambe's decline.

She said: "In the past it has hosted many shows and was even the venue for the 1952 Labour Party Conference. We want this building to be living and breathing again, every week of the year. It can't survive just for shows and that's why it closed down in the first place. We need to move with the times and use it for lots of different events."

The renovation project was set up last year under a plan by the Buildings at Risk Trust, English Heritage and Lancaster City Council.

The first phase of the project, which will renovate the exterior, is expected to be completed by next April. During this time a bid to the National Lottery will be submitted to fund the second phase of interior renovations.

Colin Henderson, who was a page boy at the Winter Gardens between 1938 and 1945, said he was delighted the building was to be restored. He said: "It's always had a special place in my heart. I used to work here with all the big names in the entertainment business."

His wife Barbara added: "We hope to be able to get the Morecambe Music Festival back here as well as all the amateur dramatic performances. It's going to be wonderful to see the place come to life again."

A separate lottery application is also expected to be lodged for money to build a Museum of Comedy in the theatre.

But Evelyn Archer, chairman of the Friends of the Winter Gardens (Victoria Pavilion) is against the idea which she says will cut the number of theatre seats. She said: "We've spent 10 years trying to save the Winter Gardens and we never thought it would happen but we don't want a Museum of Comedy because it will take up seats from the theatre."

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