Councillors welcome plans to turn former Rock Ferry convent into homes

Jan 25 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

A FORMER Rock Ferry convent and care home with links to the US Civil War is set to be turned into homes.

As the News went to press Wirral Council’s planning committee was expected to approve the development plans for St Margaret’s in Mersey Lane South.

The proposals by Cortona Developments would see previous extensions removed and five homes created in the Grade II listed building, which dates from 1840.

Eleven new houses would also be built on the site and a former chapel turned into another residential property.

The Religious Sisters of Charity, who moved into the convent in 1890, left in 2004.

The sisters established the base for residential care of the elderly, parish visiting, agency work, an Irish Welfare Centre and work with the Union of Catholic Mothers.

Councillors and local history groups have become increasingly concerned about the building.

Cllr Bill Davies said: “It’s been vandalised and something’s got to be done with it. It’s a good scheme, it’s well thought-out and it will protect the building.”

St Margaret’s was formerly known as the Manor House and was home to cotton merchant Stephen Watson, a supporter of the Southern cause during the American Civil War.

His wife was an American from North Carolina and Southern sympathiser.

Councillor Jerry Williams, Wirral Council’s Heritage Champion, said: “It will be wonderful news if the plans go ahead. It’s an exceptional building.”