Battle to save piece of history

Feb 8 2008 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

A VICTORIAN community centre in Liverpool could be bulldozed to make way for student flats.

But Wavertree residents are fighting the plans to demolish Gregson memorial institute, built in the late 1890s as a small museum and art gallery.

Building trustees, who bought it from Liverpool council for £5 several years ago, say it is run down, little-used and a target for vandals, who recently flooded the cellar.

Councillors will visit the building in Garmoyle Road before deciding whether to back the trustees’ plans.

Helen Bryson, of Barrington Road, Wavertree, said: “The Gregson memorial institute was left to the community, and we feel the avenue of replacing the current trustees has not been fully explored.

“We have identified a strong need for a youth club, bingo hall and venue for women’s keep fit.

“We also oppose building flats. Our roads are saturated with converted houses. The balance of students to the local community is potentially damaging.”

Greenbank councillor Jan Clein said: “We do not need new student properties, but this is the area’s only community resource and it is supposed to be used for the benefit of the community.”



The institute’s trustees told Liverpool council’s planning committee that its poor condition meant it was hardly being used.

Committee chairman Dave Irving said: “It is not our officers’ job to sell a proposal on behalf of the applicant.

“I am not happy about building 20 flats with just six parking spaces; we should visit site.”

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Does anyone have a pic?