The recent fire at Woolton Hall* has caused severe structural damage, including the collapse of the roof and widespread destruction of the interior. This event represents a profound loss to Liverpool’s architectural legacy.
Merseyside Civic Society, through its partnership with Merseyside Building Preservation Trust, set up Heritage Watch in 2023. Heritage Watch wants to launch a new Stop The Rot Campaign which will work with building owners, local authorities and funders to try and secure the future of the many historic Buildings at Risk that are peppered throughout Liverpool City Region with a concentration in the city of Liverpool.
The possible loss of Woolton Hall has thrown into sharp relief the need for a new collaboration to save such buildings before it is too late.
Steve Power, Chair of MBPT and Heritage Watch commented: ‘We are hugely saddened by what has happened to Woolton Hall. Alongside many other societies and heritage bodies, MBPT sought to engage the owners of Woolton Hall in dialogue about the future of the Hall over the years, to no avail. We now need to pool our resources and energies with the statutory bodies that hold the powers to effect change to ensure there is no further loss to our heritage. Finding new viable uses for such buildings is a challenge but we can point to dozens of examples of successful conversions from accommodation to hospitality and much more. We are ready and willing to speak to building owners to help them secure the future of these Buildings at Risk’.
About Woolton Hall
Woolton Hall is located on Speke Road in Woolton and one of Liverpool’s 28 Grade I listed buildings, steeped in architectural and historical significance. Originally constructed in 1704 from sandstone ashlar, the Hall was once home to the prominent Molyneux family, who resided there for many years. In 1772, the estate was acquired by Nicholas Ashton, who later commissioned renowned architect Robert Adam in 1774 to transform both its interior and exterior, leaving a lasting legacy of classical elegance.
Throughout its history, Woolton Hall has served a variety of public and private functions, including as a school, hospital, and convent. Its architectural and historical importance was formally recognised in 1982 when it was granted Grade I listed status, safeguarding it from demolition and acknowledging its national significance. The building has been unoccupied since 2006.