Residents bursting with ideas for the future of Corporation Park Conservatory

A survey launched to gather ideas from the community regarding possible options for the Conservatory, has gained over 1,500 responses.

Last year, we announced that £137,000 had been allocated by the council and Historic England to identify what the options are for the future of the Conservatory.

The restoration of the Conservatory is likely to cost millions of pounds, and although there are no guarantees that the council can secure the necessary investment to restore it, the funding allocated so far gives us the opportunity to build up a case to try.

As part of this, Buttress Architects – architects and heritage consultants – in partnership with the council, undertook a survey to understand how the community felt about the potential options for the use of the Conservatory. In total there were 1,565 responses, with 89% of the respondents reporting that they live close to the park.

• 95% of respondents believe the Conservatory is at least ‘fairly important’ to the wider character of Corporation Park. 87% believe it is ‘very important’.
• A similar proportion believe saving the Conservatory would be important for the wider Blackburn Context, with 85% believing it is ‘very important’.
• 89% of respondents said they would be more likely to visit the park if the Conservatory was saved and brought back into use.
• In terms of suggestions for the Conservatory, a wide range of ideas were received, which could be categorised into the following:
  • A – Wedding/Events/Functions Venue – 143 suggestions
  • B – Education/Community-Focused Uses – 234 suggestions
  • C – Food and Beverage Offer (ranging from small café/tea room, to larger scale restaurant). Several suggestions also comprised combining this with restoring the botanical function – 265 suggestions
  • D – Restoring the conservatory to its original function, housing exotic plants, but with a number of variations, including a butterfly house, interpretive offer, place for wellbeing, exercise – 395 suggestions

There was also an opportunity for free text responses as part of the survey, which gave some insight into the feelings of respondents towards the Conservatory and its importance. A number of people shared nostalgic memories of childhood visits, and references to the building being beautiful and iconic.

Any proposed new use for the building would need to be sustainable and self-sufficient in the long term.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities said:

The number of responses to our survey shows that there’s huge community support behind restoring the Conservatory.

We’re really putting our all in to try and ensure that the building is brought back into use and it’s heartening to see that the public are happy to come along for the ride with us.

Although there’s much more work to be done, we’re feeling very positive.

In regard to what’s next, the public’s help will soon be needed once again as we release three proposed designs for the Conservatory, where comments will be welcomed.

The results from the survey will be used to inform the development of an Options Appraisal for the Conservatory, which will explore the constraints and opportunities facing the site in more detail. The Heritage Consultancy team from Buttress are also developing a Conservation Management Plan, which will be informed by the results of the survey, as well as a stakeholder workshop held at the council recently.

Then, following a Viability Assessment, developed in collaboration with key partners, including Historic England, the ambition will be to submit an expression of interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Karen Heverin, Surveyor with Historic England said:

The response to the consultation has been outstanding with so many people sharing their thoughts and ideas. It’s clear that the Corporation Park Conservatory holds a truly special place in the hearts of local people. From nostalgic childhood memories to innovative suggestions for the building’s future, this historic Blackburn landmark means a lot to the community.

We’re delighted to support this project and work alongside the council and local partners to help to bring this beautiful building back to life for future generations to enjoy.

Libby Butterworth, Architect at Buttress said: 

The consultation has provided us with a wealth of ideas for the future of the much-loved Conservatory at Corporation Park.

This historic landmark holds deep significance for the local community and together with Historic England, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the Park Supporters Group, we look forward to ensuring the Conservatory remains a place where cherished memories continue to be made for generations to come.

Nicola Beswick, Chair of Corporation Park Supporters Group, said:

We are heartened to see the responses and the wonderful ideas about the Conservatory’s past, present and future – alongside the survey there were also some inspirational drawings submitted by local children, which will also be included in the development of a vision for the restoration. It has been a long time coming, but the people of Blackburn have finally had a chance to have their memories, opinions and ideas about the Conservatory in Corporation Park recorded.

Corporation Park Supporters Group have been campaigning tirelessly for over two decades for the restoration of this special building. This progress is testament to the hard work by all who have been involved in the journey so far.

If you’re feeling inspired and motivated we’d love you to get involved as well, please contact us on corpypark@gmail.com or visit our social media pages for more details.