Plans revealed for boutique hotel in Birkenhead's historic Hamilton Square

Apr 8 2009 by Liam Murphy, Wallasey News

HISTORIC Hamilton Square in Birkenhead could become the site of Wirral’s latest new boutique hotel.

Plans have been submitted to Wirral Council for the hotel using buildings on the river side of the square, which is in the heart of Birkenhead’s business district.

All 63 houses are Grade 1 Listed, two more than Bath, the fashionable Roman spa – and only Trafalgar Square in London has more.

Dylan Jones, of conservation specialists, Liverpool-based A2 Architects, said that, although the existing owners were unlikely to run the hotel, several potential operators had shown interest in the scheme, even before it has been marketed.

The properties are owned by Hanaway Ltd, based in Bootle, and the designs lodged with the local authority are for a hotel with 30 bedrooms and a 120 covers restaurant, along with a bar and conference facilities.

Local and national operators have grown interested in the potential of the hotel, which is in a key location.

Mr Jones said: “We have spent the last three months negotiating with the local authority and English Heritage. The main issues have been about installing things like a lift and services.

“But the scheme retains the original key features of the building and mostly keeps the size and shapes of the rooms.”

He said some parts would have to be opened up to create the space needed, but added: “It’s a good price to pay for a long term use for the building.”