A new book, Carscapes: the Motor Car, Architecture and Landscape in England, has also been published to examine the impact of the motor car on the historic environment.

Written by English Heritage experts John Minnis and Kathryn Morrison, the book sets out to illuminate the century-long process that saw the world around us re-engineered for cars.

Exploring the history of various building types and structures associated with the car – filling stations, garages, car showrooms, car parks, motels, roadhouses, highways, bridges, and even signage – the book looks at how the car became such a powerful catalyst for change.

The Savoy Garage

The Savoy Garage, King George Avenue, Blackpool, received the certification as part of English Heritage’s Motor Car Project, designed to recognise the impact of the motor car on the historic environment.

The garage, which was built between 1914 and 1915, is an exceptionally rare example of an early covered car park on two levels with a lift. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this garage has incurred minimal alteration overall and retains a wealth of original features, including an exceptionally rare motor car lift and turntable

Research has confirmed that the Savoy Garage was built for the Savoy Hydro Hotel, located on the opposite side of King George Avenue, fronting Queen's Promenade.

The hotel and garage are both believed to have been designed by TG Lumb, Son & Walton of Blackpool, a link which suggests that the garage was originally used as covered car parking for the hotel, and also provided maintenance and repairs services.