Crews will begin urgent remedial work at Woolton Hall in Liverpool to address damage caused by a recent fire, with the programme focused on removing the parts of the building that pose the most immediate risk.
The building is not owned by Liverpool City Council, and the legal owner – Woolton Hall Ltd – remains principally responsible for the upkeep and repair, but the law gives councils routes to intervene if preservation is at risk.
Contractors will carry out controlled removal of compromised walls to the northwest elevation and to the southerly rear elevations, taking down unstable fabric to reduce the chance of falling masonry and to remove any imminent collapse hazard.
While the work is carried out the site will be secured to reduce the likelihood of unauthorised entry and to protect the public and neighbouring properties.
The existing perimeter fencing will be retained and reinforced with additional Heras fencing positioned at key points, and warning signs will be displayed around the boundary and at approaches to the building. All ground floor openings will be secured and boarded to prevent casual entry.
These securing measures will be put in place to prevent access to the dangerous structure. The owner of Woolton Hall will remain ultimately responsible for the security of the site and building.
Once the remedial operations have been completed the most immediate dangers will have been removed and the risk of imminent collapse will be reduced.
The building will still be considered dangerous and unsafe for entry. Following completion of the works authorities will review the situation and consider what further enforcement action should be taken, including options under the relevant listed building legislation and further use of the Building Act where appropriate, to protect public safety and determine the building’s longer-term future.
Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “Our priority is safety which is why we will instruct urgent remedial work to remove the most unstable walls and secure the site.
“These measures are intended to prevent access and reduce the immediate risk, but they cannot guarantee to stop determined illegal entry, and the owner remains ultimately responsible for security. “Once the emergency works are completed, we will promptly consider further enforcement under the listed building legislation and the Building Act to protect the long-term future of Woolton Hall.”
