The Glasshouse pub on Mill Lane in Old Swan, Liverpool, has been sold at auction after standing empty for six years. Built in 1926, the mock Tudor building was a community hub until its closure in 2020. Over time, it fell into disrepair, becoming an eyesore with broken windows, fly-tipped waste, and a rat infestation.
Local Concerns Over Dilapidation
Residents living near the pub reported frequent sightings of rats. Tracy Bushell, 54, who has lived in Old Swan most of her life, said: "The rats come out into the surrounding streets, and into people's gardens where you find some of them dead, caught by cats or dogs, and then we've got to pick them up and put them in a bin bag. You can't live like that, it's horrible." Her son David, 30, added: "We see them all the time."
Community Hopes for the Future
Many locals expressed a desire for the site to return to hospitality use. David Bushell said: "I'd like to see it turned back into a pub, or if not that, I think we'd like to see a restaurant, as there aren't many of those around here." Tracy agreed: "This place once used to be really busy and bustling, day and night, so it would be nice to see that again."
Another resident, Austin Smith, 33, noted: "Something like a gastro pub would be good, and some nice food as well, because most of the options on Edge Lane are just chain outlets. If there was an actual independent place here, it might do well."
Previous Plans Failed to Materialise
In 2022, Liverpool City Council approved plans to convert the building into ground-floor commercial units and residential flats on the first floor. However, the project never progressed. The site was listed on Rightmove in 2023 with offers over £300,000, but no sale was completed until now.
Sale Finalised by Howsale
Howsale property auctioneers erected a "sold" sign on the building, confirming a buyer has been secured. The Liverpool ECHO reported that administrative details are still being finalised before any plans are announced. Austin Smith commented: "Whoever has taken over recently clearly cares for the place as you often see people coming and making sure the building is secure, putting up new hoardings and things like that."
The Glasshouse, often mistaken for a listed building due to its distinctive Tudor design, was built in 1926 and served the community for nearly a century before closing. Its future now rests with the new owner, with locals hopeful for a revival of the site's former role as a social hub.
