Developer submits plans to demolish fire-ravaged former NHS mental health facility and Victorian hotel in Southport and build 30 new homes. Andrew Brown reports
Plans have been submitted to demolish the former Hesketh Centre building in Southport and replace it with new homes.
This former mental health hospital, which was originally built as a ‘hydro’ hotel in the Victorian era, was badly damaged by a fire which broke out in November last year.
The owners say the site at 51 – 55 Albert Road, near Hesketh Park, is too badly damaged to salvage and are proposing to demolish it and replace it with a mix of new housing.
Rule Five Land, with the support of architects Kingswood Homes, have submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to knock down the fire damaged building.
In its place it would build 22 new houses plus an apartment building comprising eight new apartments with associated car parking, landscaping and infrastructure.
In the application the developer said: “The redevelopment will interconnect with the existing residential community and fund additional local facilities to support the new residential community as well as the existing residents.
“This design response has been developed specifically for the site and will ensure an exemplar design is delivered.
“The site is the former NHS Hesketh Centre and is located at 51-55 Albert Road and 18 Park Road West. The site was marketed for sale for some time by the NHS and was eventually sold at auction to the current landowners.
“The owners have a strong track record of delivering successful developments throughout Sefton and Lancashire.
“Following the devastating fire in November 2024 and structural survey report findings the applicants have considered their options for the future of the site.
“The report describes ‘very substantial damage’ to large sections of the buildings. The Albert Road frontage has suffered ‘severe smoke damage’ and there is evidence externally of possible fire damage to the roof in this location.
“The Albert Road front elevation does display some evidence of localised structural damage.
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“The fire damage to the interior of this part of the building is almost completely lost and the ‘vast majority of the roof has been lost’. The majority of the upper floors through this section have also been almost completely lost and debris has accumulated.
“To bring the site forward the owners consider a new build scheme would now be more viable and appropriate for the site.”