Forums Forums Local News Bidston Observatory up for sale

HISTORICAL landmark Bidston Observatory is up for sale.

And the site is being touted as a prime target for hotel, leisure and residential development.

Back in 2003, a plan to save the observatory complex and turn it into a museum and visitors' centre was drawn up in a bid to rescue the historical building when the National Environment Research Council which occupied the site - moved to Liverpool University campus.

Local people mounted a campaign to protect the future of the landmark, which they feared was at risk of being damaged by development.

The Bidston Observatory Preservation Trust had tried to save the building and turn it into a historical museum for the people of Wirral.

But their efforts to prevent planning permission being granted to convert the complex into flats failed when the council rejected their scheme as "over-optimistic and unrealistic".

However, the flats plan came to nothing and the observatory has been occupied since by "live in guardians" who are tasked with looking after the building in return for a low rent.

Now agents Mason Owen have been instructed to "market" the treasured landmark.

Today, Peter Crawford from the Preservation Trust said: “I’m utterly disgusted about the plans and find it appalling that the building is going to be flogged off.

"It should be retained as a public asset and not lost forever. To lose it would be an absolute disgrace.

“We have a heritage day in Bidston to show what the area has to offer, but there will be little point in doing this if our heritage continues to be eroded with plans like this.

“There’s no wonder that Wirral is in such a mess when its history is being destroyed.

"We should be proud of what the building has contributed to our heritage.

"There’s are many reasons why it should be kept as an asset. Scientists have made many great discoveries in the observatory over the years."

The Mason Owen agency says the complex is "suitable for hotel, leisure or residential use."

Andrew Owen, head of the company's business space, said: "This is a unique opportunity to buy a piece of local history.

"These plots are available individually and each one offers a prime development opportunity for residential, leisure and hotel.

"We are confident that this complex will attract a lot of attention from interested parties. All offers will be seriously considered."

The complex contains three plots extending to approximately 45,000sq ft.

Each plot is for sale separately, and includes the Grade II listed Victorian observatory and surrounding land, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and the site of the former Braehead Cottages.

BIDSTON'S HISTORY:

Long associated with weather and tidal research, the observatory was relocated from Liverpool's Waterloo Dock in 1866.

In 1929 the work of the observatory was merged with the University of Liverpool Tidal Institute.

And it was the Tidal Institute, under the directorship of Professor Proudman, that was responsible for the most internationally-significant part of the observatory's history.

The first tide-predicting machines in the world were created at Bidston.

As well as being utilised for commercial purposes, the machines were used to help with the war effort and D-Day Landings.

link
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/8...ry___and_it_could_become_a_hotel/?ref=ec

Typical, another site steeped in history and a local landmark sold off in the name of development and making a few quid, history repeats itself on the wirral with buildings like these constantly being bought up by developers.

I don't see a problem with this in all honesty. The lighthouse has never been a public building, and it's not as if any developer can physically alter the external part of the building. It's more likely to become dilapidated if it's not sold.

As long as the fabric of the historical buildings is preserved and this doesn't include some of what we call Bidston Hill I think that I'm ok with it.

I'm not sure a luxuary hotel will get many takers with what happens on Bidston Hill at night - watch out for the drug taking, asb and burning cars!

On a related topic, does anyone know if anything ever came of the plan to turn Bidston Hall into a wedding and conferance venue?

I agree with the above post, couldn't think of a worse place for a hotel or restaurant....wouldn't fancy living here either, very dodgy at night!

As much as I applaud local heritage champions, with the closing of the Wirral Museum, did anyone really think there would be funding (or indeed visitors!) to a museum dedicated to a very small township?

I'm more eager for any funding to be ploughed into preserving Storeton Hall and Birkenhead Priory.

Like wise aslong as they leave all external elevations alon then it could be a good thing, would have prefered the museum / heritage option but then again something is better than nothing, working in property i hate to see any money making schemes that may risk our local heritage, if developers leave the outside well alone then i'm all for it would be interesting to see what our local MEP JF would have to say on the matter, if i bump into her in or around the office, i think i'll put her on the spot and see what her view is on things

Interest grows in Bidston Observatory site




TWO Wirral community groups have expressed a joint interest in acquiring the historic Bidston Observatory site.

Peter Crawford, chairman of the Bidston Observatory Preservation Trust and member of Rock Ferry Community Partnership, told the Globe they are raising finance hoping to buy site.

The land is currently on the market from estate agent Mason Owen, and being touted as a prime target for hotel, leisure and residential development.

Each plot is for sale separately, and includes the Grade II listed Victorian observatory and surrounding land, the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and the site of the former Braehead Cottages.

Peter Crawford said: "We've been in touch with Mason Owen to express our interest in the site. We believe the observatory is a very important part of Bidston's history. The building can't be turned into flats.

"To secure this building, we could compliment the work that Peel Holdings are doing on the dockland. There is a great need for tourism.

"The Proudman Laboratory was the world centre for tide predictions and a lot of scientific discoveries were made there. It is a major part of Wirral's heritage."


THE GLOBE