Plans are being put in place to help secure the future of one of Liverpool’s oldest buildings.
A report to Liverpool City Council’s virtual Cabinet meeting on Friday 3 July recommends essential work is undertaken to protect Croxteth Hall and its estate.
The report recommends that urgent engineering and structural work to the Hall must be carried out imminently – this includes repairs to chimney breasts, guttering, roof lining, and the terrace.
If agreed, a tender process will begin with the aim to work with a contractor to undertake the repairs while the Hall is closed due to the ongoing health pandemic.
Improving the aesthetics of the Hall will also be a priority, and funding options will be explored which will improve signage, fencing, the front terrace, and repairs to the stable yard.
It is expected the repairs will cost around £650,000 which will be ring-fenced from the capital budget.
The Grade II* listed building in West Derby, which has sections dating back to 1575, attracts around 600,000 visitors a year. As well as the Hall, its attractions include Croxteth Home Farm, a Victorian walled garden, riding centre, café, Jungle Parc and children’s adventure playground.
At 500 acres, the country park is the largest park in the city and is a registered historic park.
Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:
“Croxteth Hall and estate are real unpolished jewels in our crown and we are now at the point where we need to carry out essential works in order to futureproof the Hall.
“This work will pave the way for us to explore all the options available which will ultimately attract new and existing visitors and generate an essential income which can be-reinvested in the Hall and park.
“Preservation of this public asset is a priority. It’s important we get underway with this first raft of essential works and we can then focus on any exciting future plans.”