Hylgar Properties is looking to turn the former town hall  in the Wirral town into a cinema, arts centre, business centre and restaurant and create 60 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports

Plans to convert Hoylake’s former Edwardian town hall into a cinema, arts centre, business centre and restaurant has won the approval of Wirral Council and Wirral Chamber of Commerce will be the first tenant.

Hylgar Properties is now looking to bring forward the scheme in Albert Road which, once completed, will be called ‘The Beacon’ and will create 60 new jobs.

Hoylake Beacon Steering Group – a volunteer group facilitating the project – indicated that it received hundreds of written comments endorsing the plans, including from 007 star Daniel Craig who grew up just a few miles away in Cheshire.

Retail units

The development will be within and behind the old town hall, and once completed the will feature a one or two-screen cinema/arts space with fine dining restaurant and associated cafe/bistro, atrium cafe/bar together with retail units around a central courtyard.

Additionally, there would be retail units for artists and makers and 40 apartments on four levels above the ground floor area.

The project design was created by Liverpool architects, Falconer Chester Hall, and there has been significant support for the plans from the local community and beyond.

Create vibrancy

Mark Howard, director of social enterprise Hoylake Village Life, said, “The Beacon project will offer and fulfil the ambition the area has and, undoubtedly, will create vibrancy for residents and visitors to Hoylake and growth opportunities for new and existing businesses.

“HVL have been developing a portfolio of interconnected creative regeneration solutions, including The Beacon Steering Group, which we set up to facilitate this transformative project. 

“It’s clear from our consultation through events and online survey results that more than 96% feel The Beacon is just the boost Hoylake needs­ for a more economically sustainable future.”

Chamber backing

Among its first occupiers will be Wirral Chamber of Commerce, which is supporting the project and will be opening its first satellite office during September.

Chamber chief executive Paula Basnett said: “The Beacon offers great opportunity for Hoylake and its neighbouring areas in bringing increased visitor economy footfall to the town and many advantages for businesses in a range of sectors looking to grow, all which will help in creating economic prosperity and employment.”

The original building, including the original fire engine house entrance, would be retained in the development, with the new cinema screening the latest releases, specialist, independent and documentaries, together with live-streamed entertainment.

The bar will offer a venue for live entertainment including music, comedy, dance and theatre, with the restaurant offering guests fine dining.