WARRINGTON Borough Council’s executive board is to be recommended to start afresh in its consideration of proposals for the regeneration of Walton Hall and Estate.
The first step will be to establish an advisory group, including representatives of residents, the Friends of Walton 
Estate and Walton Parish Council, to explore possible options for regenerating and managing the estate on a sustainable basis.
It will have regard to advice submitted by scrutiny chiefs that the group should start from “a blank sheet of paper.”
A proposed consultation process already approved will be enhanced to enable further options brought forward by the advisory group to be considered and the consultation process will take note of the “Green Flag” requirements of the estate.
The board will also have to agree terms of reference for the advisory group which are likely to include consideration of forming a Community Land Trust to manage the estate on an ongoing basis – an idea originally put forward by Coun Paul Kennedy, who represents the Walton area on the borough council.
A report will be submitted to the board, at its meeting next Monday, by Andy Farrall, (pictured) the council’s environment and regeneration director, which admits that with the withdrawal of hotels group Contessa, the council no longer has one of its key potential investors in the project and no longer has a deliverable scheme.
However, Myerscough College, the other potential partner, remains interested in other components of the scheme – a land-based academy and golf academy.
Mr Farrall points out there is still a risk that buildings that are in a serious state of dilapidation on the estate continue to decline.
However, this risk can be mitigated through the work of the advisory group being progressed with some urgency.
Other members suggested for the advisory include an executive board member, councillors, council officers and representatives of local business.
Walton Hall: Let's start afresh!
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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That’s ok providing that the councillors forget party politics and do what is best for Walton Hall and gardens.
“Mr Farrall points out there is still a risk that buildings that are in a serious state of dilapidation on the estate continue to decline.
However, this risk can be mitigated through the work of the advisory group being progressed with some urgency.”
Statements like that make one wonder just what is going on now!!! In Mr Farrel’s proposals for the Contessa scheme, the ‘dilapidated’ bulidings were being demolished!! So what is the REAL REASON for the ‘advisory’ group to be progressed with some urgency??? If there are really no imminent plans for Walton Hall & Gardens there would be time for a proper public consultation as is done in other towns, so why are WBC still trying to operate to the Contessa proposals deadlines? Here’s another funny statement “Other members suggested for the advisory include an executive board member, councillors, council officers and representatives of local business” Ha! Ha! Ha! After the behind the door dealings that have already gone on do they really think a ‘sham’ consultation will be acceptable? Not a chance!!! They can forget their ‘already approved consultation process’ and their politically dominated ‘advisory groups’ because THOSE HAVING THE MAJORITY VOTE IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR THE FUTURE OF WALTON HALL AND GARDENS WILL BE THE PUBLIC!!!