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VISITORS to Warrington's showpiece Walton Hall Gardens this summer will be deprived of popular facilities while the redevelopment of the site as a luxury hotel complex is being considered.

Walton Hall cafe to stay closed

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VISITORS to Warrington’s showpiece Walton Hall Gardens this summer will be deprived of popular facilities while the redevelopment of the site as a luxury hotel complex is being considered.
The canal side cafe and heritage centre closed in March and at present there are no plans to re-open them.
It is believed the historic buildings will be converted into bedrooms and a pub if the hotel proposals go-ahead.
Borough council leader Ian Marks confirmed closure of the facilities.
But he denied allegations by campaigners fighting to keep the hall and gardens open to the public that this was because of a demand by hotel chain Contessa to have “vacant possession” of the site before going ahead with the deal.
Coun Marks was unable to say why the facilities had been closed in March, but he insisted that any future development of the site would mean better facilities.
He said there would be cafe facilities on site in the future and that items from the heritage centre would be displayed elsewhere.
“There will be reduced facilities on site this year, but it is nothing to do with Contessa.”
Coun Marks said that no deal had been made with Contessa, but confirmed that they were the leading candidate for the site.
Campaigners claim representatives of the hotel chain had been measuring up rooms at the hall, but Coun Marks said nothing was finalised.
“We are talking to this company, but we will only do a deal if we are absolutely happy that the public will benefit,” he said.
Nearly 7,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign to “save Walton Hall and Gardens” and more than 1,700 have signed an on-line petition organised by the Friends of Walton Gardens.
Campaigners claim the plans could cut public access to the grounds by 50 per cent.
Residents, councillors, the Friends of Walton Hall action group and people from throughout the town and beyond have joined the battle.
Malcolm Eldridge, a Friends committee member and chairman of Higher Walton Village Forum, said people have used the park for generations and appreciate the variety of attractions.
He complained the group had not been involved in a promised consultation about plans by Contessa to invest £20 million to create a luxury hotel suitable for weddings and conferences.
But Coun Marks said the council’s executive board would select a preferred partner around June, and widespread consultation would follow. Work could start in spring next year – but only if the council was satisfied the proposals would be in the interests of local people.


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8 Comments

  1. Silver Surfer on

    And stuff the people.

    That’s the trouble with the Lib-Dems.

    Their way or no way.

    There is only one box to tick on the consultation form and that will be YES to the only question which will be: Did you know about the proposals for Walton Gardens?

    Reply
  2. Dizzy on

    “Coun Marks was unable to say why the facilities had been closed in March “………… well that says it all really doesn’t it. What an IDIOT they blummin closed it didn’t they so he must know why !!

    According the the dates given by the Council the PLANNING APPLICATION wont go in until AUTUMN and if approved DEVELOPMENT work wont start until SPRING 2011. So… come on Mr Marks ……OPEN THE CAFE AND HERITAGE YARD AGAIN…. …..AS THERE IS NO NEED TO HAVE CLOSED IT AT ALL AT THIS EARLY STAGE !! You can close it again after the summer months just before the planning application OR IS IT THAT you don’t want members of the public using it as that way when it comes to public consultation people will say ‘OK that sounds like a good idea because the poor old buildings haven’t been used for a long time……. ‘. Well I’m now going to join facebook and sign the petition too as I think the Leader is ‘Miss’leading !!

    Reply
  3. Geoff Settle on

    This is a lovely and very popular café and heritage centre. Both buildings are an integral part of a visit to Walton Hall gardens.

    On a sunny day it’s nice to sit on the benches outside with a drink and lovely piece of cake. Whilst on a showery day you can sit inside the café and browse in the heritage centre and make a purchase of some unusual gifts. If this is the way that things are going here and elsewhere then it’s the start of a slippery slope.

    What makes it worse is that the architect of the plans confesses not to know what is going on!!!!

    I wonder what else is happening with Warrington’s other Jewels that the Council Leader doesn’t know about?

    Reply
  5. Dizzy on

    I completely agree Geoff. One thing has also occurred to me and that is that ENGLISH HERITAGE etc will have to be consulted over any proposed redevelopment because of the Grade II listing of the hall and associated buildings. Now forgive me if I am being cynical here but English Heritage may not allow redevelopment of the heritage yard into bedrooms and a pub when it is currently being used by the public as a cafe and HERITAGE CENTRE etc…… however if the building is not being used and ‘could’ fall into disrepair then English Heritage may be more inclined to allow redevelopment to protect it from decay due to lack of use and maintenance ;(

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  6. Dizzy on

    Very good point….Bewsey Old Hall and its grounds would make a lovely setting for a top class hotel , wonder why they weren’t interested in that building when it was up for grabs ?

    Reply
  8. anita on

    Warrington residents will not benefit from a boutique hotel, unless they pay to stay there. The gardens are are a beautiful and free open space for people to enjoy. At no point have we heard Warrington Borough Councilors state that they are commited to keeping the gardens open and free in their entirety for the public.

    PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION, IT IS EASY http://www.savewaltongardens.co.uk

    Reply

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