Plans have been submitted to demolish the former Hesketh Centre building in Southport and replace it with new homes.
The former mental health hospital, which was originally built as ‘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 and replace it with 22 new houses plus an apartment building comprising eight new apartments with associated car parking, landscaping and infrastructure.
In their application they 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.
“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.
“The current owners are keen to bring forward in a timely manner to avoid the derelict damaged building remaining in situ for longer than necessary.
“Kingswood are committed to building high quality homes and feel the owners consider they have a social responsibility to provide such high quality homes for everyone to enjoy.
“We are proposing a number of 2 and 3 bedroom homes to help with the affordability in the area. This was welcomed by the local ward councillor during our pre application consultation.
“Detailed consideration has been given to the mix of housing. The application will provide a range of housing including 2, 3, & 4 bedroom homes. The intention is for the development to become a lifetime neighbourhood catering for all demographics, first time buyers, professionals, upsizers, downsizers and growing families.
“The intention is for these homes to reflect the former buildings at the former Hesketh Centre but with a sensitive contemporary approach.”
The Hesketh Centre was empty and boarded up since all of the remaining outpatient services there were transferred to newly-built Hartley Hospital on Scarisbrick New Road from 11 December 2020.
It was subsequently ravaged by a blaze which broke out on 16th November 2024.
Local people have since been wondering what the future holds for the Hesketh Centre, which was once one of the most stunning ‘hydro’ hotels in the region.
‘Hesketh park Hydro’ was described as ‘Southport’s Premier Hydro’, being the ‘most comfortable home’ for residents, visitors and patients.
The baths there comprised: chemical, brine, sulphur, vapour, sitz, douche, needle, slipper and electrical, with a certificated masseuse on-site.
Guest could also enjoy table d’hote and ‘unequalled cuisine’, with facilities including: a spacious new smoking room, drawing room, lounge, recreation room, billiards room, writing and reading room, private sitting rooms, sunny bedrooms with hot and cold water, shady gardens and two tennis courts. The facility was just a few minutes’ walk from two golf links.
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