A new health centre could be introduced at the site of Maghull town hall after a fire last year. Flames ravaged the building on Hall Lane last February, leaving it severely damaged.
Since then, the building’s structure has been made safe, but it remains closed off from staff and members of the public. With the rebuild underway, Maghull Town Council has been considering the future of the Town Hall and adjoining land.
Health centre among priority schemes
A new health centre for Maghull is one of four priority schemes identified by Cheshire and Merseyside ICB. Neighbourhood Health Centres are designed to bring health and community services together under one roof, with improved facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental health conditions closer to home.
The ICB’s plan is now the subject of a business plan, with government funding being made available.
Fire response and community reaction
Crowds were seen lining the pavements as they watched black smoke billow up from the top of the building last year. At the time, one witness described driving along Hall Lane to see “flames coming out of the roof.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service had said it received reports of a fire at 11.55am, with crews on scene 14 minutes later. Emergency services filled the roads surrounding the blaze as fire crews sent 10 fire engines and two aerial appliances to battle the flames.
Sefton Council confirmed no one was in the town hall at the time of the blaze, but as people gathered one woman was seen crying as the town hall burned.
Political support and next steps
Bill Esterson, Labour MP for Sefton Central, has campaigned for improved health facilities in the town for years and is supporting the proposals.
He said: “The funding is available, the NHS is developing the business plan and the Town Hall site is an excellent possible location, especially given the leisure centre next door and the link between health and physical activity.
“The fire at the Town Hall was a concern for our community, but we have an opportunity to turn that disruption into something our community has needed for years. I’m pleased that the Town Council have approved their officers to continue discussions with the ICB.
“There is still work to do, including proper scrutiny and consultation, but the possibility of a new health centre with high-quality diagnostic and treatment facilities could give the Town Hall site a positive new future for Maghull.”
In March, Maghull Town Council struck a deal with an insurance company, which dismissed the company’s obligation to renovate the property to its pre-fire condition. Instead, the council agreed a financial settlement which allows it to manage the renovation project itself, including provision to build a brand new facility.
