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New docklands hotel in... Birkenhead
THIS is the spectacular hotel planned as a centrepiece attraction in the first phase of the £4.5 billion redevelopment of Birkenhead's docklands.
Site owners Peel Holdings - the people behind Liverpool Airport and Manchester's Trafford Centre - have submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of The Hydraulic Pump House building.
The pumphouse is an historic but derelict listed building sited opposite the Twelve Quays roll-on roll-off ferry terminal.
Peel's scheme involves restoring the building back into sensitive repair together with the development of a new-build 92 bedroom upper mid-market hotel adjacent to the main building.
If approved, the £12 million plans would be the first phase of development on the Wirral Waters site since the announcement of Peel's visionary scheme in September 2006.
The company has been working closely with conservation officers, planners at Wirral Council and heritage partners to bring the Pump House back to its former glory.
Once complete, the listed building, which was bombed during the war, will also house a new restaurant and bar.
| "The Hydraulic Tower is a very important architectural feature for the area but it has seen much better days." | | Richard Mawdsley |
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Richard Mawdsley, development manager at Peel, said: "The Hydraulic Tower is a very important architectural feature for the area but it has seen much better days.
"It is derelict and was structurally damaged when bombed during the war. However, having looked into the history of the building, it has a very interesting past - its design was actually a direct copy of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, a 12th century government building, so we actually have a little bit of Italy in Birkenhead!
"The building will be carefully restored by Peel and we intend to use it for a bar and restaurant with a new build 92 bedroom upper-mid market hotel adjacent, to create that critical mass needed.
"The scheme is one of a number of 'early win' Wirral Waters projects that will come forward for planning during 2008.
"A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes on Wirral Waters and we will be making more announcements in due course."
12:26pm Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: AR1, Wirral on 1:39pm Thu 20 Mar 08
This I like - it's saving what's left of this fantastic old building and putting it to good use.
Let's hope it's the start of the regeneration of the whole area.
This I like - it's saving what's left of this fantastic old building and putting it to good use.
Let's hope it's the start of the regeneration of the whole area.
Posted by: fat arse, wallasey on 2:42pm Thu 20 Mar 08
they've been saying this for the last oohhh 20 years. In that time, they've managed to build a cinema and the pyramids shopping centre. Our council executives as we may well know, couldn't run a small bath.
they've been saying this for the last oohhh 20 years. In that time, they've managed to build a cinema and the pyramids shopping centre. Our council executives as we may well know, couldn't run a small bath.
Posted by: Steve Mac on 3:49pm Thu 20 Mar 08
A waste of space (see article on golf course) and a useful project all in the same breath? At least such a building incoprporating a familiar and much loved land mark will have practical use in many ways. I can't really see the point of a hotel in West Kirby, only to create more congestion and inconvenience.
A waste of space (see article on golf course) and a useful project all in the same breath? At least such a building incoprporating a familiar and much loved land mark will have practical use in many ways. I can't really see the point of a hotel in West Kirby, only to create more congestion and inconvenience.
Posted by: Spiffy, Wallasey on 6:43pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Again, re the how it will look photo...I will be impressed if they get the water that clean.
Really now, who on earth would want to stay in a hotel right next to a smelly polluted dock ? Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing the travellers/immigrant
s as they land at the ferry terminal. Oh the possibilites....
Again, re the how it will look photo...I will be impressed if they get the water that clean.
Really now, who on earth would want to stay in a hotel right next to a smelly polluted dock ? Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing the travellers/immigrant
s as they land at the ferry terminal. Oh the possibilites....
Posted by: Peter Wilson, Edinburgh on 7:10pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Looks an excellent start on reinventing the Birkenhead docks to me. Why are so many of those who comment on here so negative? Don't they want to make Wirral economically buoyant or for it to remain a run down backwater? Wirral is desperately short of decent hotels and as for the comments about who would want to stay next to an old dock then just look across the water to Malmaison and Crowne Plaza in Prince's Dock and the various hotels in Albert Dock. And remember what they used to say about Canary Whar? It's now some of the most valuable real estate in Europe. Wirral Waters could end up as a huge economic asset for the region.
Oh yes and at least have the guts to put a name to your comments!
From a Hoylake born and bred exile.
Looks an excellent start on reinventing the Birkenhead docks to me. Why are so many of those who comment on here so negative? Don't they want to make Wirral economically buoyant or for it to remain a run down backwater? Wirral is desperately short of decent hotels and as for the comments about who would want to stay next to an old dock then just look across the water to Malmaison and Crowne Plaza in Prince's Dock and the various hotels in Albert Dock. And remember what they used to say about Canary Whar? It's now some of the most valuable real estate in Europe. Wirral Waters could end up as a huge economic asset for the region.
Oh yes and at least have the guts to put a name to your comments!
From a Hoylake born and bred exile.
Posted by: Alan, Wallasey on 7:27pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Fat arse, if you check your Globe of this week you will see they have applied for planning permission in the public notices. I would have thought this was a good indication that they are serious.
What you on about Spiffy, they are in the process of converting the old flour mills into flats and people seem to be buying them up without worrying about smelly docks and all that.
I have said in the past that this place is an eyesore and should be pulled down even if it is a listed building. Now with these new plans it should improve the area 100% and solve the problem. Now at least they will remove the sunken boat or possibly turn it in to a "feature".
Good for anyone investing in our area and improving it. Pity the scallies don't all sod off somewhere else though.
Fat arse, if you check your Globe of this week you will see they have applied for planning permission in the public notices. I would have thought this was a good indication that they are serious.
What you on about Spiffy, they are in the process of converting the old flour mills into flats and people seem to be buying them up without worrying about smelly docks and all that.
I have said in the past that this place is an eyesore and should be pulled down even if it is a listed building. Now with these new plans it should improve the area 100% and solve the problem. Now at least they will remove the sunken boat or possibly turn it in to a "feature".
Good for anyone investing in our area and improving it. Pity the scallies don't all sod off somewhere else though.
Posted by: Spiffy, Wallasey on 7:50pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Peter Wilson how would putting my name to a comment prove my bravery in any way shape or form ?? What a ridiculous suggestion that it will somehow empower me with 'guts'. In this day and age of stalking it is frankly a downright dangerous suggestion.
Alan, I dont really care who wants to live next to a smelly old dock I am stating that I certainly wouldnt. Dysentry and cholera are perfectly good reasons if you are really that interested to know what I am 'on about' though. People are advised not to swim in the docks so how is it acceptable to live near them ? It does bear thinking about.
You are right that it is an eyesore as it stands now but your comments about scallies sodding off elsewhere seems to indicate that only the rich will be welcome. I find it hilarious to imagine such people staying there purely out of sheer snobbery as a show of wealth and in utter disregard for the filth surrounding them.
The breeze from Bidston Tip will prove an exhilirating experience I am sure.
Peter Wilson how would putting my name to a comment prove my bravery in any way shape or form ?? What a ridiculous suggestion that it will somehow empower me with 'guts'. In this day and age of stalking it is frankly a downright dangerous suggestion.
Alan, I dont really care who wants to live next to a smelly old dock I am stating that I certainly wouldnt. Dysentry and cholera are perfectly good reasons if you are really that interested to know what I am 'on about' though. People are advised not to swim in the docks so how is it acceptable to live near them ? It does bear thinking about.
You are right that it is an eyesore as it stands now but your comments about scallies sodding off elsewhere seems to indicate that only the rich will be welcome. I find it hilarious to imagine such people staying there purely out of sheer snobbery as a show of wealth and in utter disregard for the filth surrounding them.
The breeze from Bidston Tip will prove an exhilirating experience I am sure.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 9:15pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Nice one Peel Holdings, its just a crying shame that you will have to deal with David Green who will undoubtedly c*ck your plans up
Nice one Peel Holdings, its just a crying shame that you will have to deal with David Green who will undoubtedly c*ck your plans up
Posted by: fat arse, wallasey on 11:50pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I'm not being negative, but given the number of failed plans and **** ups in Birkenhead and the wider Wirral on the issue of "regeneration" then please allow for some scepticism.
I was reading a few of the late Dave Jackson's comments in the Globe (from 7-8 years ago) and back then people were being promised the same things - regeneration and resultant prosperity and jobs. It was said that Birkenhead, Wallasey and West Kirby would be transformed by inward investment, aided by European monies. All one can ask is "what happened"? The alleged "benefits "of the Open in Hoylake are none to clear for most ordinary residents, whilst Birkenhead still looks grotty from which ever angle you look at it. A cinema and a couple of supermarkets have done little to change that. As for Wallasey and New Brighton... well the statue of Pierot the Clown on the Promenade sums it up. A once great resort brought to its knees........
I'm not being negative, but given the number of failed plans and **** ups in Birkenhead and the wider Wirral on the issue of "regeneration" then please allow for some scepticism.
I was reading a few of the late Dave Jackson's comments in the Globe (from 7-8 years ago) and back then people were being promised the same things - regeneration and resultant prosperity and jobs. It was said that Birkenhead, Wallasey and West Kirby would be transformed by inward investment, aided by European monies. All one can ask is "what happened"? The alleged "benefits "of the Open in Hoylake are none to clear for most ordinary residents, whilst Birkenhead still looks grotty from which ever angle you look at it. A cinema and a couple of supermarkets have done little to change that. As for Wallasey and New Brighton... well the statue of Pierot the Clown on the Promenade sums it up. A once great resort brought to its knees........
Posted by: fat arse, wallasey on Fri 21 Mar 08
Forgot to add - how much of a role have the great and the good at the council actually played in bringing inward investment into the Wirral? They are very quick to pat themselves on the back and speak of devloping "masterplans" for building projects, yet they often have hindered rather than helped business and other projects looking to come to the Wirral. Don't forget that Conway Park station was built mainly due to the activity of the local MEP in lobbying for European monies, whilst the Cinema was bound to come, consdering that Birkenhead at the time had no cinema at all...
Forgot to add - how much of a role have the great and the good at the council actually played in bringing inward investment into the Wirral? They are very quick to pat themselves on the back and speak of devloping "masterplans" for building projects, yet they often have hindered rather than helped business and other projects looking to come to the Wirral. Don't forget that Conway Park station was built mainly due to the activity of the local MEP in lobbying for European monies, whilst the Cinema was bound to come, consdering that Birkenhead at the time had no cinema at all...
Posted by: scottie, b-head on 3:23am Fri 21 Mar 08
just a few things.
there are loads of hotels built by dirty water look at the holiday inn built on the boat museum, travel inn (or sumin) in the albert dock and there are loads in manchester to that are doing great business so if this gets done good on them bout time they did sumin with the run down dum of the docks
just a few things.
there are loads of hotels built by dirty water look at the holiday inn built on the boat museum, travel inn (or sumin) in the albert dock and there are loads in manchester to that are doing great business so if this gets done good on them bout time they did sumin with the run down dum of the docks
Posted by: amazed!!! on 7:25pm Fri 21 Mar 08
Hear Hear,'Alan'Wallasey,
at least you check details prior to a comment.Peter Wilson I agree about some of the negative comments that have been posted.Some of the comments for eg,"Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing traveller's/immigran
ts as they land at the ferry terminal".What does this imply?Let's hope that planning permission is granted and the proposed regeneration will take place.
Hear Hear,'Alan'Wallasey,
at least you check details prior to a comment.Peter Wilson I agree about some of the negative comments that have been posted.Some of the comments for eg,"Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing traveller's/immigran
ts as they land at the ferry terminal".What does this imply?Let's hope that planning permission is granted and the proposed regeneration will take place.
Posted by: Michael Scott, Tasmania on 8:17pm Fri 21 Mar 08
What a great idea, as someone who worked at the pump house in the late 50's I do hope the history of the Tower is recorded for all to see.
What a great idea, as someone who worked at the pump house in the late 50's I do hope the history of the Tower is recorded for all to see.
Posted by: Spiffy, Wallasey on 8:22pm Fri 21 Mar 08
[quote]Some of the comments for eg,"Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing traveller's/immigran
ts as they land at the ferry terminal".What does this imply?[/quote]
In answer to your query : It implies (and actually states) a suggestion for the use of the building.
I feel almost obliged to apologise for your lack of understanding the english written word and do hope that I have made the intention/implicatio
n in my statement absolutely clear.
Some of the comments for eg,"Perhaps it could serve some purpose in housing traveller's/immigran
ts as they land at the ferry terminal".What does this imply?
In answer to your query : It implies (and actually states) a suggestion for the use of the building.
I feel almost obliged to apologise for your lack of understanding the english written word and do hope that I have made the intention/implicatio
n in my statement absolutely clear.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 10:42pm Fri 21 Mar 08
Peel Holdings are a company of vision and rarely fail with a project. I have every confidence that residents staying in the hotel will not contract dysentery or cholera as indeed none of the workers in Egerton House ever did. Sorry Spiffy a totally ridiculous statement.
Peel Holdings are a company of vision and rarely fail with a project. I have every confidence that residents staying in the hotel will not contract dysentery or cholera as indeed none of the workers in Egerton House ever did. Sorry Spiffy a totally ridiculous statement.
Posted by: Spiffy, Wallasey on 11:49pm Fri 21 Mar 08
Dave I thought better of you honestly. I did not state the residents would actually contract cholera and dysentry. It is stated that such would be [italic]my personal[/italic] consideration.
(Just wondering if any of you people actually read and comprehend before misquoting me ?? )
You have only to drive past the docks on any given day and the layer of scum floating around and in them is evident. In calm weather the waters are stagnant and stinking. The associated health risks of such filth are not so hard to deduce. Am I really the only one who has noticed ??
Sorry Dave, frankly its totally ridiculous to deny that such risks exist, however minor/unlikely/well no one else has got it. Not good enough sorry.
When all is said and done my underlying point is that those docks will take a lot more 'regeneration' than sticking a hotel in the middle of them.
But.....if the waters are cleaned up to the image presented in the photograph thats another story entirely. It remains to be seen.
Dave I thought better of you honestly. I did not state the residents would actually contract cholera and dysentry. It is stated that such would be
my personal consideration.
(Just wondering if any of you people actually read and comprehend before misquoting me ?? )
You have only to drive past the docks on any given day and the layer of scum floating around and in them is evident. In calm weather the waters are stagnant and stinking. The associated health risks of such filth are not so hard to deduce. Am I really the only one who has noticed ??
Sorry Dave, frankly its totally ridiculous to deny that such risks exist, however minor/unlikely/well no one else has got it. Not good enough sorry.
When all is said and done my underlying point is that those docks will take a lot more 'regeneration' than sticking a hotel in the middle of them.
But.....if the waters are cleaned up to the image presented in the photograph thats another story entirely. It remains to be seen.
Posted by: Peter Wilson, Edinburgh on 11:50pm Fri 21 Mar 08
There's nearly 300 pages of planning application documentation on the Council's website if anyone wishes to look, that indicates a pretty serious intent to me and as Dave Rimmer says Peel have an excellent record of delivery.
There's nearly 300 pages of planning application documentation on the Council's website if anyone wishes to look, that indicates a pretty serious intent to me and as Dave Rimmer says Peel have an excellent record of delivery.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 9:00am Sat 22 Mar 08
Spiffy...didnt mean to upset you but you mentioned cholera and dysentery which I think was a little over the top for your usual sensible arguments. You only have to look at the dock alongside Egerton House and indeed Albert dock to see the improvements in the clarity of water in them. Now I am no chemist or marine biologist but they look very clean to me and I am sure that if Peel Holding are involved they will ensure that the whole job is done satisfactorily.
Spiffy...didnt mean to upset you but you mentioned cholera and dysentery which I think was a little over the top for your usual sensible arguments. You only have to look at the dock alongside Egerton House and indeed Albert dock to see the improvements in the clarity of water in them. Now I am no chemist or marine biologist but they look very clean to me and I am sure that if Peel Holding are involved they will ensure that the whole job is done satisfactorily.
Posted by: Spiffy, Wallasey on 10:39am Sat 22 Mar 08
Dave not upset just surprised, as pedant, to be misquoted by a pedant :)
Perhaps cholera and dysentry was a little to the left of my sarcometer but there are real health risks with the waters in Birkenhead docks right now. Lets hope they are dealt with as well as making the place pretty. In the end, thats all I am saying and apologise if that got lost in translation.
Dave not upset just surprised, as pedant, to be misquoted by a pedant :)
Perhaps cholera and dysentry was a little to the left of my sarcometer but there are real health risks with the waters in Birkenhead docks right now. Lets hope they are dealt with as well as making the place pretty. In the end, thats all I am saying and apologise if that got lost in translation.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 11:28am Sat 22 Mar 08
OK Spiffy lets draw a line under that one. I have no wish to fall out with a valuable contributor to this site. Just suffice to say that I believe Peel Holdings will do everything required to make the project successful.
OK Spiffy lets draw a line under that one. I have no wish to fall out with a valuable contributor to this site. Just suffice to say that I believe Peel Holdings will do everything required to make the project successful.
Posted by: jizza on 12:06pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Have you got shares/interests in that company? And you accuse the Globe of being biased.
Have you got shares/interests in that company? And you accuse the Globe of being biased.
Posted by: Alan, Wallasey on 12:18pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Cholera and Dysentry? Not since the 19th century in Seacombe. Haven't seen many dockers with it lately although to be honest there aren't that many dockers about these days.
If one looks in the Wallasey/Birkenhead docks, one will see Mullet swimming about quite merrily. I'm no biologist but it is my understanding that they like clean water?
Of course you get litter and oil in docks but I guarantee it is far cleaner than it ever was before and that is mainly due to the river being a lot cleaner these days.
I'm certainly not rich and wouldn't consider telling anyone to sod off except for those anti social elements who are intent on ruining our town (Council included if you like). When the North end of Birkenhead was demolished, quite a number of their problem families were moved to Seacombe. The rest of Wirral suffering for the sake of Birkenhead once again.
Cholera and Dysentry? Not since the 19th century in Seacombe. Haven't seen many dockers with it lately although to be honest there aren't that many dockers about these days.
If one looks in the Wallasey/Birkenhead docks, one will see Mullet swimming about quite merrily. I'm no biologist but it is my understanding that they like clean water?
Of course you get litter and oil in docks but I guarantee it is far cleaner than it ever was before and that is mainly due to the river being a lot cleaner these days.
I'm certainly not rich and wouldn't consider telling anyone to sod off except for those anti social elements who are intent on ruining our town (Council included if you like). When the North end of Birkenhead was demolished, quite a number of their problem families were moved to Seacombe. The rest of Wirral suffering for the sake of Birkenhead once again.
Posted by: Peter Wilson, Edinburgh on 1:56pm Sat 22 Mar 08
The Mersey is now really quite clean and I understand the old South Docks in Liverpool are an important spawning ground.
Incidentally, they have held triathlon swimming events in the South Docks too so it must meet basic minimum standards at least.
The Mersey is now really quite clean and I understand the old South Docks in Liverpool are an important spawning ground.
Incidentally, they have held triathlon swimming events in the South Docks too so it must meet basic minimum standards at least.
Posted by: Trish on 8:18pm Sat 22 Mar 08
If that area has been owned by Peel Holdings, from the time that they took over from Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, why on earth, as astute business people, have they allowed the buildings and adjacent smaller ones to fall into an almost, state of collapse, before deciding to do something about it?
..Surely this long delay is going to make the whole project even more expensive?
Although it is better late than never.
If that area has been owned by Peel Holdings, from the time that they took over from Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, why on earth, as astute business people, have they allowed the buildings and adjacent smaller ones to fall into an almost, state of collapse, before deciding to do something about it?
..Surely this long delay is going to make the whole project even more expensive?
Although it is better late than never.
Posted by: jizza on 8:05am Tue 25 Mar 08
Perhaps their self appointed spokesman Dave Rimmer could tell us?
Perhaps their self appointed spokesman Dave Rimmer could tell us?
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 8:11pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Quite simple really....even Peel Holdings couldnt build Rome in a day.
Quite simple really....even Peel Holdings couldnt build Rome in a day.
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