Blackpool Council has appointed Donald Insall Associates to start work on the first stage of restoration work at the Grade II-listed Winter Gardens.

The London-based conservation architect has been selected to revamp the Floral Hall and to open up the venue to visitors as part of phase one of the scheme. Existing features will be refurbished and the entrance located on Church Street and Coronation Street will be restored. New uses, such as exhibition space, will also be provided.

Tony Barton, principal of Donald Insall Associates' Chester office, said: "Although we have worked on some of the country's most important historic buildings, nothing prepares you for the splendour of the Winter Gardens. We can't wait to help Blackpool bring it back to life." Maxine Callow, cabinet member for regeneration and tourism for Blackpool Council, added: "Over the next four months architects will start the renovation of the building which will be revealed to the public in February 2011."

Earlier this year, the council acquired the Winter Gardens site as part of a wider bid to bring a range of attractions into public ownership for the first time.