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17 July 2019
www.champnews.com
Vol 26 l Issue 29
INSIDE THIS WEEK:
Mum skydives in memory of her daughter
Goodwood ride on TT bike was a racing dream
HUNDREDS BACK CALL TO SAVE PARK HOUSE
More than 500 residents sign petition opposed to demolition of historic convalescence hospital Report by Tom Martin
Rachael Russell performs on stage.
Soprano sings at Proms in the Park MORE than 2,000 people enjoyed this year's Proms in the Park event in Crosby on Saturday, July 13 which featured a special guest appearance by acclaimed soprano Rachael Russell, a former pupil of the college. Full story inside.
MORE than 500 people have signed a petition against plans to demolish an historic convalescence hospital in Waterloo built in 1878. The Champion revealed last month how Park House, on Haigh Road, could be torn down under plans to build a huge mixed development of apartments and a care facility. Residents have reacted angrily to the proposal and an online petition has gained 522 backers, who hope to convince Sefton Council to dismiss any possible planning application in the future. So far, the applicant, Anwyl Construction Company, has submitted an outline planning application for up to 89 ‘extra care’ units as well as up to 54 residential apartments for over 55s. Park House was built in 1878 as a home for a wealthy Liverpool corn merchant before it was taken over in 1902 by the Augustinian Sisters Religious Order who used it as a convalescence and nursing home. Most recently, the building has been used as a guest house and convent, containing around 40 individual bedrooms and 12 reception rooms. One unhappy resident, Ian Campbell, said demolishing the historic building would be ‘sacrilege.’
Park House
He added: “It is not derelict or in a state of disrepair, so why would the council allow it to disappear into history and be remembered as merely an old photograph in the archives? “This kind of thinking disgusts me. When councillors speak about Liverpool and its heritage and what beautiful old buildings we have, it is all a load of rubbish when this kind of talk raises its head. “It is pure sacrilege. We have already lost build-
ings in the past due to mindless thinking.” Another, Mike Booth, said: “This is the first step in a brutalist re-development of the top of South Road. The next step will be the council selling off the library site for high rise development.” Emma Moore added: “Buildings with as rich a history as this one should not be demolished. “If there is money available for the proposed redevelopment, there is money available to restore this building and use it for a suitable purpose.”
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