Public's views sought on £15m refurb of Bootle tower block

Liverpool-based architects Condy Lofthouse are to ask the people of Bootle for their views on its proposals to refurbish a 16-storey tower block in Church Walk, Bootle.

The scheme, for healthcare developer VVHC in partnership with registered housing provider One Vision Housing, part of the Sovini Group, will see the empty Irlam House transformed into a new hub for the care of local people. Special facilities and staff will be provided to offer ‘extra care’ for local residents with particular care needs.

The building will be re-clad and fitted with stunning new community facilities on two additional penthouse floors, including a communal lounge and top floor restaurant.

And now the architects behind the proposals want to hear the public’s views and have arranged two events locally where they can inspect the plans and quiz the team behind the project.

“This is a prominent building which dominates the local skyline so we want to make sure we understand people’s relationship with it and their aspirations for its refurbishment,” said Peter Williamson of Condy Lofthouse.

Included in his proposals are a range of technologies incorporated into the building which support the care providers in their work and enhance residents’ quality of life. All residents in the building will have access to a wide range of additional social facilities.

Commenting on the consultation, local Member of Parliament, Peter Dowd MP, said: “The scheme for Irlam House looks exciting. I believe it will help improve care provision as well be a benefit to the local community, but it’s vitally important that local people have the opportunity to scrutinise the proposal to ensure that they are comfortable living next to this development. I would encourage everyone to try and find time to pop along to the consultation event.”

Two public consultations will take place in:

• The Lock & Quay pub on Irlam Road between 3.30pm – 6:00pm on 6th March.

• Linacre Bridge Community Hub between 3.30pm – 6.00pm on 7th March.

The public are invited to pop in and view the plans and will have a chance to discuss them with staff from Condy Lofthouse.

Should planning permission be granted work would start on site summer 2019 with completion expected in autumn of 2020. The finished scheme will provide 20 end-user jobs, with more than a hundred construction jobs using Netherton contractor Carroll Build’s extensive local supply chain.