Residents living near a 'party pad' on Walton Road in Liverpool have described the 'nightmare' of living next door to the property, citing a series of incidents including 'all night parties', noise, littering, and damaged property. Even though the building is not presently operating as a short-term let, complaints continue over its state, piled-up rubbish, and uncertainty about its future.
Background and Landmark Status
Located on Walton Road in Liverpool 4, 'Liverpool Party Pads' (LPP) was set up in 2018, taking over a property that had been used as a wine bar and, before that, the old Pacific pub. The LPP attracted attention at the time, with people curious about why a 'party pad' was opening in a largely residential area.
The building was notable for its extravagant designs, including a mural of Ricky Tomlinson's character Jim Royle, with a speech bubble hijacking part of his catchphrase: 'Party pad my arse!' The Liverpool ECHO visited the site and spoke to neighbours, whose views were summed up by that pithy statement.
Current Condition and Complaints
The property has clearly seen better days, and the ECHO understands it hasn't been used for more than a year. Parts of the roofing appear in severe disrepair, wires and light fittings dangle over the outside awnings, and a great deal of rubbish is piled up at the side of the building, including a discarded speed boat.
Despite many complaints reported to Liverpool City Council about anti-social behaviour, people said very little changed over an eight-year period to address their concerns. They also pointed out that any grant of a license for this party pad was a 'huge mistake' and should never have been approved. One person added: 'This wouldn't happen in south Liverpool'.
The ECHO contacted Liverpool City Council about its response to the anti-social behaviour and environmental health complaints, and why the party pad was given a license. The council did not directly answer questions about the license but said the short-term rental market falls outside planning and housing legislation, so local authorities and the police have limited powers regarding such establishments.
A spokesperson for LCC told the ECHO: 'We have responded to concerns around the premises on the corner of Walton Road and Christopher Street and have previously instructed the owner to address multiple issues. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will take further action if appropriate.'
Local Councillor Trish O'Brien confirmed she was aware of the complaints and had raised them to the council. She had previously worked with residents to tackle fly-tipping and rubbish outside the party pad but acknowledged the local authority needed to do more to find a resolution to the wider problems, which she characterised as 'long-term and chronic'.
History and Legal Issues
Since it started operations, Liverpool Party Pads has faced problems. In 2019, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) brought a prosecution against the owner, Mr Stephen Charlesworth, after he failed to comply with a prohibition notice, leading to a ten-month suspended prison sentence and a £20,000 fine. A statement published by MFRS at the time said he 'put his financial rewards above the safety of his paying guests' after he 'flagrantly breached' fire safety regulations.
Mr Charlesworth has had a chequered history with his businesses in Liverpool. Last year, the ECHO reported he had admitted to selling a drink to an underage patron at Sotto, a city centre bar, but rejected the suggestion it was a regular occurrence. Hours after it was stripped of its premises licence by Liverpool City Council, Sotto on Wood Street announced it was shutting down with immediate effect.
Last month, the ECHO was contacted by a member of the public concerned about the condition of the 'Liverpool Party Pad' building, now named Behind Closed Doors (a name with no connection to the Behind Closed Doors brand on Colquitt Street). MFRS visited the property in June following a fire safety concern but were unable to contact the 'Responsible Person'.
Ownership and Future
To establish who was responsible for the building, the ECHO looked at Land Registry documents and found the building was bought by Terracotta Management Limited (TML) for £115,000 in 2017. TML had a leasehold with one of Stephen Charlesworth's companies, including Liverpool Partypad Ltd, registered at the venue since 2021, later transferred to Bee Social Holdings Ltd, renamed SC Holdco Ltd. The ECHO understands the leasehold agreement is now subject to 'ongoing legal matters'.
After attempts to contact Mr Charlesworth, he responded via social media. He acknowledged some complaints about anti-social behaviour but said he is no longer involved with the property, that the 'party pad' hasn't operated for the last three years, and rejected the claim he was the leaseholder, saying a new leaseholder had taken over. However, the ECHO can report the lease is currently held by SC Holdco Ltd, with Stephen Charlesworth listed as a director and Mr Trafford Parsons registered as the sole beneficial owner.
Mr Trafford said he was not aware of any ongoing legal matters with the lease and confirmed he is yet to devise a plan for the future of the property, but did not rule out it being used for short stay accommodation.
