Plans released yesterday that would see Croxteth Park transformed with a “Bio dome” and log cabins has been slammed by Liverpool City Council’s parks boss.
The proposals logged by Signature Living were released as part of a public consultation by the developers on how to turn around the future Croxteth Hall Park.
Cabinet member for parks Cllr Steve Munby said it was “difficult to reconcile” the proposals with the historic buildings at the site.
The designs, which have not been submitted to Liverpool council yet, see Croxteth Hall transformed in to a wedding venue, hotel and community events space.
They park would also be opened up as a family attraction containing a glass eco-domed swimming pool, wooden log cabins and a nature trail.
Lawrence Kenwright had said it was a “truly exciting plan” saying “It is purely a proposal and we want to hear the views of the local community and the people of Liverpool more widely before we submit it for consideration.”
He also insisted it would be “sympathetic to its historical legacy and we would intend to improve and invest in the park and gardens”.
Cllr Munby said: “Since the plans have been put in the public domain I have to say that I find it difficult to reconcile the images of ‘Centre Parcs in Croxteth’ with the historic buildings of the Hall and Park and the Mayor shares my views.
“Towards the end of last year we sought expressions of interest from organisations with ideas for improving Croxteth Park and Hall. A wide range of ideas were received and I spent a number of days with officers and representatives of the Friends of Croxteth Park and Croxteth Hall Volunteers listening to presentations.
“We have subsequently received further expressions of interest including from Signature Living. I was rather surprised to read reports in yesterday’s Liverpool Echo of Signature Living’s vision for Croxteth Hall and Park.”
He said: “I am a great admirer of Signature Living and Lawrence Kenwright’s enthusiasm and commitment to the city. However I am mystified that he considers it appropriate to launch his vision for Croxteth Park and Hall through the pages of the Liverpool Echo (no disrespect intended to that august journal) when we are planning a formal consultation and procurement process.”