Green Circle Leisure has submitted fresh plans for the transformation of Allerton Manor, owned by the city of Liverpool, into a hotel and golf complex, creating 150 new jobs. Tony McDonough reports
New plans have been submitted for the transformation of Allerton Manor in south Liverpool after the initial scheme was hit by rising costs and criticism of its design.
Green Circle Leisure secured planning approval for a £15m development in September 2020 to a create a new golf course and boutique hotel at Allerton Manor, which is owned by Liverpool City Council, creating 150 jobs.
Operator of the site, Green Circle, put forward a scheme that would see the property turned into a luxury hotel offering 31 beds. It also included a plan to reconfigure the existing 18 and 9-hole courses to create a par 72 Championship course with a new driving range and putting area and accompany club house and facilities.
While the golf-related plans remain unchanged, Green Circle has gone back to the drawing board to produce a revised plan for a 66-bed hotel with a new architectural design.
Theis new design, by Liverpool-based architects, Brock Carmichael, will save and restore the remaining facades of the original Grade II listed manor house. The historic structure is currently in a dilapidated condition, with most of the building being destroyed and lost due to a fire in 1944 when it was occupied as a private residence.
Green Circle managing director, Craig Coley, explained: “From the word go, we were determined to save the manor house and incorporate this cherished piece of local heritage into our future vision.
“The lengthy planning process and the COVID-19 pandemic have delayed the project and in the meantime construction and material costs have massively increased, meaning that the original scheme, approved in September last year, is no longer viable.
“Re-assessing the project has also given us the opportunity to review the design and respond with a more appropriate and greatly improved architectural design solution.”
The original design was supported by both Historic England and the Council’s Conservation officers, but the design, described by Green Circle as “bold”, also attracted criticism and concern from some local objectors.
Mr Coley added: “We decided to take those constructive comments on board in the new brief by selecting an architect with local understanding and an excellent track record working with heritage buildings and sensitive sites.”
A planning application for the new hotel has been submitted by Green Circle to Liverpool City Council’s planning department. Subject to approval the project due for completion by 2025.
Lead architect John Cassell of Brock Carmichael, added: “Our approach has been to deliver a simple and aesthetically elegant design, where the new build element doesn’t try to compete or distract from the original architectural character of the former Manor House.
“As well as keeping things simple, the glazed exterior of the new structure will act as a mirror ensuring the surrounding trees and landscape are reflected in the building facades. whilst a feature green wall will also help to embed the building within its natural setting.”