THE face-lift of what is perhaps Morecambe's most famous building was due to start this week - but so far the mysterious workers still haven't appeared. More than £1.6 million in grants has been collected to renovate the resort's historic Winter Gardens, now re-named the Victoria Pavilion, which looks out over Morecambe Bay. A two-step plan to save the building was put together and it was announced that workers from Barnfield Construction would begin Phase One of the project on Monday (September 23).

But daily trips by Citizen photographer Mark Richardson have proved fruitless and as this paper went to press, the shutters were still firmly in place at the Winter Gardens.

The renovation project has been planned since last year when the Buildings at Risk Trust - with the help of English Heritage, Lancaster City Council and the Government's Single Regeneration Budget - bought the landmark.

It is planned that, over the coming months, workers will completely repair and restore the outside of the Winter Gardens, including its distinctive famous terracotta fronting, wiping out years of decay and neglect.

Shops are to be provided on either side of the foyer and the building's original canopy will be replaced over the resort's promenade.

The second phase of the scheme, the restoration of the auditorium and famous ornate plasterwork, is planned to start before the end of Phase One if a bid for Lottery funding is successful.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.