Council to consider rebuilding destroyed Hall
WIRRAL Council is applying for retrospective planning permission after demolishing Liscard Hall without the correct consent.
The Grade II-listed building was thought to be deliberately set on fire on July 7 at 3.13am, leaving it so structurally unsound that engineers declared it unsafe.
As a result, the council made the decision to bulldoze the former art school without permission.
This incident came months before the council was due to choose a developer to bring the majestic building, empty since March 2003, back into use.
Liscard councillor Leah Fraser said: “I still think this building was knocked down too quickly - it wasn’t safe but I do believe parts of it could have been saved.
“That, however, is the past now and we must look to the future.”
A Wirral Council spokesman said: “Officers from the authority are continuing to evaluate all options.
“The application for Listed Building Consent will be accompanied by surveyor’s evidence on the condition of the building at the time of demolition.”
Seacombe councillor John Salter said: “Before we make any decisions, planning permission will be needed and we will consult with the local area.
“We have asked insurers, building control people and all the councillors who are involved with Liscard Hall to get together in September and go through all the details.
“We are looking at rebuilding the hall with the same exterior and facilities - the interior will be different but our aim is to give the building back to the people.
“We do not want to grass over the site or build flats - I think this is very important for people to know.
“It’s now time to look forward and see what we can do with the site.
“What could originally have been a bad tragedy could now turn out to be OK.”