A Wirral councillor has argued that an abandoned Birkenhead hotel which "drags the area down" must be demolished. The "eyesore" Central Hotel is "an issue of mounting concern" due to persistent anti-social behaviour, the councillor said.
Prominent gateway location
Due to its prominent location on Clifton Crescent, the Central Hotel building is one of the first things many people see after emerging out of the Queensway Tunnel or after getting off a train at Birkenhead Central. However, after having been left derelict for over a decade, the hotel building is a less than glamourous welcome to the Wirral town.
At Wirral's full council meeting, held on Monday, October 12, Cllr Pat Cleary presented a petition demanding the council takes action on the building he described as "an eyesore that drags the area down."
Petition calls for demolition
The Birkenhead and Tranmere, Green Party ward councillor, read aloud the petition which explains the hotel is "associated with sustained anti-social behaviour which causes destress and poses a risk, particularly to staff and visitors to St. Werburgh's Church." It adds: "We are calling for Wirral Council to take control and demolish the building to address the above concerns."
Cllr Cleary thanked the 426 residents who signed the paper copy of the petition and a further 661 who signed an online version, adding: "Clearly it is unacceptable that people visiting the St. Werburgh's area for leisure, for shopping, or to attend mass, are intimidated and physically threatened by those accessing the Central Hotel."
Bricks have been hurled into the grounds of the church, property damaged, and visitors have been verbally abused on numerous occasions. Who knows how many people have chosen to stay at home rather than endure such behaviour.
Council response
The councillor asked the chair of the council's economy, regeneration, and housing committee if he agreed that "the time has come for the council to act and begin compulsory purchase proceedings for the Central Hotel site."
In response, the chair, Labour's Cllr Mark Skillicorn said: "Yeah, I agree. Action is required and necessary, the compulsory purchase order could be vital for such properties but faster options can also be pursued."
The Central Hotel and the properties of Clifton Crescent occupy a prominent gateway location within our regeneration area. Their current condition detracts from the appearance of the town centre and presents ongoing management challenges. The emerging delivery and acquisition strategy will consider the future role of this site. I would like to see this as a matter of urgency, whether council acquisition is necessary and if so, the most appropriate mean of securing it.
Further updates will be forthcoming, Cllr Skillicorn confirmed.
