Cash-strapped Wirral Council puts historic Bebington building on the market for ‘re-use, refurbishment or redevelopment’ despite opposition from people living locally. Tony McDonough reports
Pennant House in Bebington Village in Wirral has been put up for sale by Wirral Council despite opposition from people living locally.
Most recently used as council offices Pennant House, next to the Rose and Crown pub, was originally built as a Victorian Villa in the early to mid 19th century and was the home of noted antiquarian, goldsmith and collector Joseph Mayer from 1860 to 1886.
A renowned philanthropist, Mayer established the Mayer Free Library, Mayer Park, and Mayer Hall, and donated multiple collections of art and antiquities for the public benefit.
However, although the building is part of the Lower Bebington Conservation Area it is not designated as a listed site by English Heritage. This means the council is free to sell for new development which could include demolition.
Late in 2024 the cash-strapped authority’s Policy and Resources Committee recommended the disposal of a number of properties, including Pennant House.
That list also included other properties. They are expected to generate millions of pounds. Wirral Council has declined to say how much it expects from the sale of Pennant House.
In its report the committee said: “The council needs to continue to make savings on its property portfolio and to generate capital receipts.
“The disposal programme, along with further reviews of the estate, is considered the best way to achieve this. As a consequence, no other options have been considered.”
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Late last year community group Brighter Bebington urged local people to object to the proposed sale of Pennant House. They were particularly unhappy that the sale will include land at the back that has become an extension of Mayer Park. A petition attracted more than 2,000 signatures.
Now the council has appointed agents at Lambert Smith Hampton to market the property which comprises 6,082 sq ft of space across two floors.