Birkenhead’s historic former town hall “for sale”

May 13 2009 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

Wirral Museum

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

Wirral council is selling off the former Birkenhead Town Hall under the Strategic Asset Review (SAR), which has also seen proposals to close 11 of the borough’s 24 libraries.

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

A website – formertownhall.com– has been set up to market the building, but those interested in buying will have to first complete a questionnaire designed to help the council assess their suitability.

Open since 1887, the town hall has been used for jubilee celebrations and election declarations and municipal duties, until Wallasey town hall became 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.