Published Monday 6 July 2026 at 14:31
Following the overwhelming response to last year’s consultation on the future of the Conservatory at Corporation Park, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is once again asking residents to help shape its future.
In May 2025, the Council invited people from the borough and beyond to share their views on the future of the historic Conservatory. More than 1,500 people responded, demonstrating the strength of public feeling and widespread support for restoring this much-loved landmark.
The Council shares that ambition and is committed to bringing the Conservatory back into use. However, restoring the Grade II listed building is expected to cost millions of pounds. To help fund the project, the Council intends to submit a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) – a process that could take years.
To secure this funding, the Council and its heritage consultants, Buttress, must demonstrate not only that the Conservatory can be restored, but that it will have a sustainable long-term future. Any successful proposal must generate enough income to cover ongoing maintenance, helping to ensure the building does not fall into disrepair again. It must also deliver lasting benefits for local people and the wider community.
Using feedback from the first consultation, the Council and Buttress have developed three possible options for the Conservatory’s future. Each has been designed to respect the building’s historic character while providing a viable long-term use.
Residents are now being asked to share their views on the following options.
Option 1: Restoration
Description: A flexible community space for workshops, educational visits and local groups, with opportunities for smaller pop-up events. This option would focus on restoring the Conservatory as closely as possible to its original form, although a small extension or alterations may be required to provide facilities such as toilets and storage.
Benefits: Maintains strong public access and supports a wide range of community activities.
Challenge: The long-term success of this option would depend on regular room hire and consistent bookings to generate enough income for ongoing maintenance.
Option 2: Event & Botanical Venue
Description: A dedicated venue for weddings, events and functions, surrounded by restored botanical displays. This option would include a fully restored Conservatory alongside an extension providing the facilities needed to support events.
Benefits: Offers the strongest income-generating potential, helping to fund high-quality maintenance and planting while continuing to provide public access and community activities.
Challenge: Public access would sometimes be limited during private events.
Option 3: Commercial Partner Model
Description: Leasing the Conservatory to a permanent business, such as a restaurant, tearoom or horticultural enterprise. This option would require alterations or an extension to support a long-term commercial use.
Benefits: Provides a reliable rental income, financial stability for the Council and ongoing maintenance of the building.
Challenge: The Conservatory would become a customer-focused venue rather than a purely public space. Any proposal would also need to demonstrate significant public and community benefits to be eligible for potential heritage funding.
The Council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the Conservatory to take part in the consultation. Public feedback will play an important role in deciding which option is taken forward and in shaping a future funding bid to restore one of Blackburn’s most treasured historic buildings. Complete the survey now.