Plans to restore a Merseyside train station to its Art Deco "former glory" are being drawn up. Grade-II listed Hoylake train station opened in 1938, having been designed in a unique Art Deco style with an impressive circular booking hall.
Unlike some of the more famous examples of Art Deco architecture such as New York's Empire State and Chrysler buildings, Hoylake's train station does not draw visitors from across the world. However, two local councillors are hoping to enhance the station's Art Deco features, bringing it back into line with how it would have looked in its heyday.
Plans for heritage signage and repainting
Hoylake and Meols ward councillors Max Booth and Andrew Gardner want to revitalise the station with plans that include reinstating a 'Hollywood style' Hoylake sign that used to sit on top of the station's canopy roof.
Cllr Booth told the ECHO: "We're committed to making our local stations more welcoming, accessible and something our community can be proud of, with long-awaited improvements to return the station's historic character with restored heritage signage and lettering."
Cllr Booth said their plans also include repainting the canopy outside the station entrance and exploring longer-term improvements to the station's interior.
Local perspective and funding status
The ECHO spoke to Hoylake resident Andy Maggs, who was at the station when we visited, to get a local perspective. Mr Maggs explained that Hoylake Station is what thousands of visitors see when they arrive into the town en route to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, which is only a short walk away.
Mr Maggs said he believes the station already looks good but he would welcome improvements, depending on how much it would cost.
The plans are at an early stage and it is understood no funding is currently in place.
