Iconic Blackburn landmark could ‘collapse’ if important repair work isn't complete

Corporation Park Supporters Group said £500,000 of repairs were needed to the park’s Grade II listed conservatory.

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The warning comes just days after council bosses were forced to place a barrier in the east wing of the building to shore it up.

Community leaders said they were keen to work with supporters to find a ‘solution’ to safeguard the council-owned building’s future.

The group’s chairman Cheryl O’Malley, said the glass structure, which was built in 1900, could be badly damaged with ‘the weight of any snowfall’ this winter.

She said: “The conservatory has become an emergency situation.

“We have all been aware of its deterioration for some time but there has been an acceleration recently.

“The whole length of the canopy roof is in danger of becoming loose this winter.

“The weight of any snowfall could be enough to make the canopy collapse.

“We really have our work cut out for us if we are to save the conservatory.”

Two recent cash bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund by the supporters group were unsuccessful.

Early estimates of reinstating the conservatory to its former glory are expected to be a minimum of £500,000.

The supporters now plan to launch a fundraising appeal to cover the costs of the repairs.

Mrs O’Malley said: “We have to recognise that fundraising is no longer enough and that a huge appeal is needed.

“We are the stewards of this wonderful structure.

“The council, businesses in the town and park users must set an example so that it can be cherished by future generations.”

A supporters group meeting discussed the severity of the issue and it was suggested that the canopy be taken down and stored safely to ensure that no further damage would come to it.

However, the cost of the protective move, and who would pay for it, was not discussed and there were fears that once the roof was removed, it would not be replaced.

Martin Eden, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s director of environment and leisure, said: “The council has previously worked with the Friends of Corporation Park on two Heritage Lottery bids but unfortunately these bids did not receive grant funding.

“The cost of reinstating the conservatory is estimated to be a minimum of £500,000.

“The council is willing to provide further support to develop and submit a further Heritage Lottery bid.

“However, we are not able to provide the £500,000 needed to reinstate the conservatory.”

The conservatory, an example of a Victorian cast iron glasshouse, has a central rectangular portion which is gabled with a clock in the front pediment and it also has a central louvred chimney.

The building is glass and iron, richly ornamented with arches and columns.

The mid section was designed to house exotic flora, with the wings being cooler to house displays of plants enjoying a similar climate to the own.

All plants and shrubs have now been removed.

An expert in dealing with historic buildings has agreed to visit Corporation Park today, to take a look at the conservatory and give a professional summary of the current state of the building and his opinion about its potential restoration.

The group, which already has a fund of £11,000 will then meet again to discuss its next move.

Cllr Damien Talbot, whose portfolio is leisure and tourism, said: “Corporation Park is a source of great pride and has a significant history in Blackburn.

“We know how much the community value it.

“The council will work with the supporters group to work on solutions and support any bids for heritage funding.

“If there are any public safety concerns about the structure I’m sure officers will deal with that appropriately.”

Mrs O’Malley said: “We need to be able to speak with confidence about the future of the conservatory if it were to be restored.

“We need clear ideas on how it would benefit the local community through education and inspiration.”

Visitors to the park said the conservatory was of great pride to those who live in the town.

George Jackson, 56, from Beardwood, said: “It’s a lovely structure and I remember being shown it and told about it by my mother when I was a kid.

“I daresay it will be expensive to restore though but I hope they find a way.”

Nafeesa Khan, 29, from Revidge, said: “I bring my children here a lot to play and get fresh air.

“It’s a key part of the park and looks spectacular.”