Birkenhead’s historic former town hall “for sale”

May 8 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Birkenhead Town Hall

ONE of Wirral’s landmark buildings has been put up for sale by Wirral Council.

Part of the controversial Strategic Asset Review (SAR), which has also seen proposals to close 11 of the borough’s 24 libraries, the former Birkenhead Town Hall stands on one side of Hamilton Square and has now been put on the market.

The town hall was most recently used for Wirral Museum, and retains the grand interior which acts as a reminder of grander, wealthier days.

The building has been advertised in the local press and a website – www.formertownhall.com – has been set up to market the historic building.

But those interested in the building will have to first complete a questionnaire designed to help the council assess their suitability and whether their proposals for the building are viable and sustainable.

Since the town hall’s formal opening in 1887, it has been used for jubilee celebrations and election declarations, along with municipal duties, until Wallasey town hall become Wirral’s primary centre.

Designed by renowned architect Charles Ellison, it is built of Scottish silver granite, warm local sandstone, and topped with a Welsh slate roof. Its imposing 200-foot clock tower has become a major landmark on the banks of the River Mersey.

Its stunning interior includes magnificent civic rooms, beautiful stained glass, colourful hand-crafted tiles and a sweeping grand staircase with pink marble balustrades.