WORK has started on a National Lottery cash bid that could see hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on refurbishing the historic conservatory in Blackburn’s Corporation Park.

Initial proposals are being worked up by the borough council that could see a full prospectus prepared by the end of next year.

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Built in 1902, the conservatory is a major Blackburn landmark but has been repeatedly hit by vandalism.

Council chiefs hope a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund could provide hundreds of thousands of pounds to completely renovate the cast iron and glass Victorian structure to be the centrepiece of an extended Corporation Park Conservation Area.

It aims to protect the rural nature of the park, its buildings, and the character of the 19th century homes in the neighbourhood.

In September 2012, the park was hit by several vandal attacks with site’s ‘irreplaceable’ Flora statue being smashed a week after 55 windows at the conservatory were smashed by a gang of youths.

Repairs to the 1902 building, which houses exotic plants, cost £15,000.

As part of the conservation area scheme, Blackburn with Darwen Council is submitting a new bid for the conservatory to the Heritage Lottery Fund to spruce up the conservatory for future generations.

Awards can total up to £2 million.

In 2012, a bid for £1.8million to create an education centre and cafe, was turned down.

The new bid, expected to be smaller, will concentrate on the historic nature and architectural value of the building described as ‘a good example of a Victorian Conservatory’.

It will include enhanced security.

Town Hall and Heritage Lottery Fund officials are discussing the scope, size and nature of the bid with an initial application due in November for a decision in March next year.

If that is accepted a detailed second stage proposal will be prepared.

Council environment boss Jim Smith said: “We will hopefully submit our stage one bid later this year.

“The pavilion is an important part of our community and an iconic piece of our heritage. It is instantly recognisable and this bid will ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.”