PLANS to breathe new life into the Walton Hall conservatories have been boosted after leading councillors gave the next stage of a £2 million funding bid the green light.

Last March the authority approved submission of the 'Walton Estate Conservatory Range' round one bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

In November the council was informed it had been successful but the next phase came before the executive board at the Town Hall last Monday, October 10.

Following a report from Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for culture, leisure and community, members unanimously agreed to approve submission of the round two bid.

The project aims to rejuvenate the conservatories, which have fallen into disrepair, so they can become an iconic centrepiece for the venue once again.

HLF applications are a two-stage process to ensure that development proposals are 'robust and risk managed'.

The round 2 bid, if successful, will confirm funding to deliver the full project and the council will enter into a 20-year contract with HLF.

It would pave the way for restoration of the conservatories, with the authority responsible for the management and maintenance of the buildings.

The bid requests funding of £2 million from the body, with the council due to contribute £1.5 million as match-funding.

This was approved by the executive board last March and is included in the capital programme.

Cllr Higgins labelled plans as a 'major part of the ambition to build an even better Walton Estate'.

He added: "Walton Estate is one of the jewels in Warrington's crown – a first class leisure destination, which is steeped in history.

"The conservatories are an important part of that history, which is why we are working hard secure their future.

"Securing this funding would be a huge success story for Warrington, enabling us to bring these stunning conservatories back to life to be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come."

From the start of the HLF bid process, the council has partnered with Myerscough College and Walton Lea Partnership.

It is planned that Myerscough College will operate a satellite centre for full-time students within the newly-restored buildings, working on projects to benefit students and the wider estate.

The council is in discussions with other partners to deliver additional activities to make maximum use of the restored site and surrounding areas.

The round two bid will be submitted next month, with the project set for completion in February 2019.