Liverpool City Council has finally broken its silence on the fate of Croxteth Hall, revealing the shock decision that the stately home will be developed into a major tourist attraction, and kept under council ownership.
Croxteth had been left holding its breath for what the future held for the local estate. The search has been on since February 2017 to find a partner to run the Grade II listed building, which has been in ownership of the council since 1972.
One of the bids under consideration was that of luxury hotelier Signature Living, in partnership with Neighbourhood Services Company (NSC). Together, Signature Living hoped to develop the building into a bespoke hotel and wedding venue, while NSC wanted to utilise the site for new training and employment opportunities for local young people.
Instead, Croxteth Hall will be kept by the council, and subjected to a new commercial strategy to develop its appeal. The hall currently costs the council £2m to run, against an annual income of £600,000; under new developments, and part of citywide plans to attract more events to all of Liverpool’s parks, the council hopes to increase footfall and revenue, making Croxteth Hall and Park into a profit-turning tourist attraction. As part of this, a new event and marketing team will be appointed, repairs carried out, and plans set out to maximise the potential of the estate.
This has already begun, with CBBC’s outdoor children’s festival set to take place in the estate in August. Discussions are also underway to relocate Myerscough College, which would leave 44 vacant rooms in the hall, and allow the council to utilise these rooms for commercial events.
This is only the beginning for Croxteth Hall: hopefully, the estate will be given a new lease of life, and its potential finally harnessed to benefit Croxteth and beyond.