Beacon Arts Village targets completion by end of year

The developer behind the conversion of Hoylake’s Victorian former town hall into Beacon Arts Village has said the project is still on track for completion by the end of the year.

Construction started in October, following a grant of £3.64m from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

Developer and site owner Hylgar Properties has been continuing critical work during the coronavirus crisis, by following Construction Industry Council’s Covid-19 site operating procedures.

According to a statement, a variety of changes have been made to allow construction to continue: “We have been extending our supply chain where needed in conjunction with adjusting our work programme to keep the project moving. We have also been increasing communication with our specialist suppliers, so we are up to date on the latest potential impacts, as well as feeding back into the workflow in regards to delivery times.

“All of this has been going on in conjunction with the huge amount of work that goes into preparing to launch multiple businesses, all of which happen to be in the hardest hit industries. It’s a hugely challenging time for us all, but we are committed to delivering a project that will support the economic recovery of the town and the wider area.”

The Beacon Arts Village will feature a two-screen cinema, a restaurant, bar and café bistro, as well as 18 creative studio and retail spaces for artists and makers around a central courtyard.

Later phases will convert the upper floors of the development into 40 apartments, using private funding.

The first phase of works on the 1898 building is now complete and included internal and external demolitions and construction, including new roofing.

The restaurant and bar, a kitchen and a newly-formed covered courtyard with kitchen space is on the ground floor.

The first floor will consist of a two-screen independent cinema, with acoustic installation, a newly constructed lavatory block and refurbished creative industry office and studio spaces.

The project is expected to open towards the end of 2020.

Dave Burke of Hylgar Properties, said: “We are fortunate that the Government is helping to fund the project, which will make it a new safe business and we are very hopeful that, when complete, it will help accelerate Hoylake’s recovery and we will be playing our part in supporting the economy in Hoylake and Wirral West.

“It is, though, impossible to say now when we will be opening, because our focus is ensuring that we are keeping everyone safe on site while continuing the work in the best and most efficient way we can.

“We have had to adjust our plans, as everyone has in adjusting to this new way of life and however long this situation and its aftereffects persist, we are hopeful of delivering some positive news for the area by the end of the year.”

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below