Viability concerns cue Allerton Manor rethink
Plans for the £15m redevelopment of the Liverpool golf club were approved last September but are “no longer viable”, prompting owner Green Circle to more than double the size of the scheme’s four-star hotel.
Architect Brock Carmichael has replaced RGP Architects and is now leading on the design of the project.
Under the original proposals, the grade two-listed manor house was to be converted into a 31-bedroom boutique hotel.
The revised proposals, lodged with Liverpool City Council, seek permission for a 66-bedroom hotel at Allerton Manor, located on Allerton Road in Woolton.
“The lengthy planning process and the Covid-19 pandemic have delayed the project,” said Green Circle managing director, Craig Coley.
“In the meantime, construction and material costs have massively increased, meaning that the original 31 bed hotel scheme is no longer viable.”
As well as increasing the capacity of the hotel, design changes have also been made in order to deliver “a more appropriate and greatly improved architectural design solution,” according to Coley.
Architect Brock Carmichael is now leading on design. Credit: via Outlier Strategy
The original design attracted some criticism from some local objectors.
“We decided to take those constructive comments on board in the new brief by selecting an architect with local understanding and a track record working with heritage buildings and sensitive sites.”
John Cassell, partner at Brock Carmichael, said: “Our approach has been to deliver a simple and aesthetically elegant design, where the new build element doesn’t try to compete or distract from the original architectural character of the former Manor House.”
Other elements of the scheme remain unchanged. Namely the reconfiguration of the golf course to create a par 72 championship grade course.
A new clubhouse and adventure golf facilities also feature within the proposals.
The course was municipally run until 2014, when it was leased to the applicant, which described the golf club as “a loss-making liability that had been starved of investment”.
Subject to approval of the revised plans, the project is due for completion by 2025.
I cannot believe what I am looking at – the design is utterly hideous!
By Architect
I use the Manor ( as a none golfer) its been transformed from a dump into a classy venue . The proposed additional facilities will further add to the appeal . Please crack on it will be a superb addition to South Liverpool
By Paul M
A big improvement on the previous scheme though still a shame that viability concerns seem to have emasculated the scheme’s creativity and its relationship with the ground floor. Sat amidst miles of leafy prosperity that seems something of a puzzle to me.
By Sceptical
I too use the venue from time to time (as a non golfer) and agree, it’s a great amenity. But ‘greatly improved architectural design solution’ …couldn’t be further from it. Absolutely offensive on the eye.
By Anonymous
Certainly giving the venue a country club feel, and as long as this helps keeps the place in business i am in favour. I would hate it if the complex went into decline and reverted back to it`s previous , more or less , downmarket state , as mentioned earlier .
Like any design there will always be those not convinced but it`s all a matter of perspective.
By Anonymous
Better than the last hideous design …but not great . However not offensive …I think the hotel will be a success which is great for the area and the sustainability of the course which has improved massively over the last few year
By George
I think what the new owners are doing is great, for both the development of the grounds and course…..and don’t forget, if this adds up to young local players getting into the sport of golf, surely that is a good thing.
By A player
Liverpool city council should be ashamed in allowing this happen….this is not progress but a disaster… Allerton Golf wad left for the ordinary people of Liverpool to enjoy golf and play at a reasonable cost…instead we are all proved out of it and several trees and wildlife is destroyed….shame on you Liverpool city council
By Anonymous
Can only see it as a golfing or wedding venue can’t imagine why anyone else would stay there. Still the Belfry seems to make money out of golf, but the course there is of a high international standard. Can’t comment how good the course at Allerton is. The design is horrid but at least is hidden by trees.
By Howard
If it brings more jobs and more tourists to the area, then great. It’s not as though anything that was already there was party great.
By Richard Christopher
They should build houses on it. A golf course is a terrible waste of prime land.
By AB
The Council’s role in all this is not one of their finest hours to say the least. I’m all for making schemes viable and I know this is only a CGI but really!
By Mark Gilbertson