A new panel formed to help protect Weston’s Winter Gardens following its transfer to Weston College has named its chairman – who says she looks forward to seeing the building ‘restored and enhanced’.

North Somerset Council agreed in 2014 to transfer the ageing building into the college’s ownership for a nominal £1, in a move designed to unlock regional funding for its revamp.

College leaders plan to convert it into a law and professional services centre, but have insisted from the outset that community use of the building will be preserved in line with council and public wishes.

Indeed, college principal Dr Paul Phillips told the Mercury in the wake of the decision that he was confident the levels of public use could not only be maintained, but improved.

A community access board has since been formed to help oversee the building’s future, with monitoring public involvement a key part of its remit.

Council chief executive Mike Jackson, councillor John Crockford-Hawley – who is also a member of Weston Civic Society – and other members of the local and regional arts and business communities all feature in the new body.

However, the new body has this week confirmed retired university professor Tansin Benn as its chairman, and town councillor and former Mayor Ian Porter as its vice-chairman.

Ms Benn grew up in Weston, before becoming a physical education and dance teacher, before becoming a lecturer and professor at the University of Birmingham.

She returned to Weston upon retirement three years ago and is currently part of the social dance network which uses the seafront venue, as well as an Age UK volunteer.

She now says she is looking forward to being part of the next chapter of the Winter Gardens story, which she believes will help ensure it is safeguarded for the town’s future generations.

Ms Benn said: “The Winter Gardens is a local icon and I am thrilled to be part of its regeneration.

“As a child I was part of the Mavdor School of Dance which held regular performances at the Winter Gardens and other venues throughout the town.

“It will be fantastic to see one of Weston’s major assets restored and enhanced, and protected for use by the community for generations to come.”

Ambitious plans to pump £15million into revamping the Winter Gardens have already been approved by council planners, and form part of a wider college expansion project which is currently under way.

Earlier this month, college leaders confirmed a £2.8million buyout and refurbishment of the former Arosfa Hotel, which sits opposite the main college campus in Lower Church Road.

It will be a partner site for the Winter Gardens law centre, and also house 25 live-in students.