Merseyside Civic Society calls for new Stop the Rot campaign after Woolton Hall fire

The devastating fire at Woolton Hall has left the Grade I listed building with severe structural damage, including the collapse of its roof and widespread destruction to the interior.

The incident marks a huge loss for Liverpool’s architectural heritage and has reignited calls for urgent action to protect historic sites across the city region.

Merseyside Civic Society, working with Merseyside Building Preservation Trust (MBPT) through its Heritage Watch partnership, is now calling for a new Stop the Rot campaign. The initiative will bring together building owners, local authorities and funders to safeguard the future of historic buildings at risk – many of which sit within the city of Liverpool.

The fire at Woolton Hall has highlighted the urgent need for collaboration before more heritage sites are lost.

Steve Power, Chair of MBPT and Heritage Watch, said:

“We are hugely saddened by what has happened to Woolton Hall. Over the years, we and other heritage groups tried to engage with the owners of the Hall about its future, but sadly to no avail. What’s needed now is a joint effort with the statutory bodies that hold the powers to effect change, to make sure there are no further losses. Finding viable new uses for buildings like these is always a challenge, but there are many successful examples, from residential conversions to hospitality and beyond. We are ready to work with building owners to help secure the future of these historic sites.”

About Woolton Hall

Woolton Hall, on Speke Road in Woolton, is one of Liverpool’s 28 Grade I listed buildings. Built in 1704 for the Molyneux family, the house was redesigned by renowned architect Robert Adam in 1774 after it was acquired by Nicholas Ashton. Its interiors and exteriors reflected classical elegance and left a legacy that made it one of the city’s most significant heritage sites.

Over the centuries, Woolton Hall has served as a school, hospital and convent. It was granted Grade I listed status in 1982, formally recognising its national significance and protecting it from demolition. The building has stood empty since 2006.

The Merseyside Civic Society says Woolton Hall’s loss underlines the urgent need to act now to prevent more of Liverpool’s historic buildings from falling into irreversible decline.

For more information, visit the Merseyside Civic Society website.

Get the latest news around the city region with us at The Guide Liverpool.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.