It would appear that in an attempt to cut costs, various Wirral public libraries and sports centres are facing closure. Currently there are 27 public libraries across Wirral and you can find more about them on the council website - here’s the listing for Hoylake.

1. How well used is our local library - does anyone monitor this?
2. How much does it cost to run for a year?
3. What determines the cost effectiveness of a library?
4. Would we all be facing big increases in council tax in order to keep all these facilities open?
5. If it closed, what would happen to the building?

As a family we visit the library regularly and there’s always someone in there too. Would we personally use West Kirby library if Hoylake closed? I guess so, only I doubt we’d use it as much.

Politics aside, what are your views about Hoylake library?

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Hoylake Library To Close?

News released today confirms that Wirral Council’s planning committee have approved the plans and the redevelopment work will commence early in the new year. The new boutique hotel will have 66 rooms, a brasserie restaurant, library bar and function room catering for 100 people. I was away when they had the open day for public plan viewing so I’m not sure if the previously mentioned underground car park is still part of the redevelopment.

Liverpool based Falconer Chester Hall are the architects for the development.

Source

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Hoylake Hotel Plans Approved

The current sign outside Hoylake train station was, I think I’m right in saying, discovered in a store room a while back, renovated and rehung on the outside wall. It’s an original sign dating back to something like the 1930’s.

Look at that old British Rail logo …many a time did I struggle to draw that in 3D in tech drawing at school !

You’ll recall that the station was refurbished in 2006 prior to the hosting of the Open Golf championships. The art deco design is much admired, especially amongst railway buffs. It was opened in 1866 as the original terminus of the Hoylake Railway and became a through station with opening of the extension to West Kirby in 1876. I understand the line was electrified in 1938 and the station was rebuilt.

Did you know? Hoylake station’s CRS (Computer Reservation System) code is HYK

Source and for additional photos of the station take a look here.

EDIT: Just found this article that clarifies the matter.

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Hoylake Train Station Sign

Seeing the yachters reminded me that I’d taken some photos (like the one above) last year when Hoylake hosted the 2007 European Sandyacht Championship (16th - 21st September). I seem to recall that the weather was warm and windy …ideal conditions I would have thought?

The beach was a colourful and cosmopolitan spectical with competitors from all over Europe. I walked or ran along the prom most days and heard various foreign accents such as French, German and Dutch.

If you’re interested in finding out more about sand yachting then visit the Wirral Sandyacht Club website.

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Sandyachting In Hoylake

The invited guests were gathered inside the temporary fencing and a fair sized crowd had gathered outside too. Live music was provided by the Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band.

After the official opening by our local MP Stephen Hesford, all were invited inside the brand new building for a look around and slice of cake.

I understand that the transfer from the current station to the new one will be completed over the next few weeks. It’ll be good to see this fine new building being put to good use soon!

The photos I took of the ceremony aren’t great but I’ll get around to loading them anyways.

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Lifeboat Station Official Opening Ceremony

I took these photos on a rather grey and damp early Monday morning so apologies for not showing Hoylake off in a better light!

I spotted the blokes unloading their van on Sunday morning on the way back from my run.

Though earlier in the week the fountain had some tarpaulin or heavy sheets draped over it for some reason - maybe to protect the newly fitted bits on the top?

I think I’m correct in saying that a third Queen Victoria head has been fitted and perhaps a naming plaque is going to fitted at some point - for now a blank disc is in place.

Anyways, it looking rather smart don’t you think?

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More About The Fountain

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Site Revamp

You’ll notice it’s no longer black and yellow and more importantly you’ll notice that the actual centre stand and water dish have not (yet) been replaced. I’ve no idea if there’s more to come? The water dish and stand were separate items to the main stand so perhaps they’re still being renovated.

Although you can’t tell, I know that beneath the concrete base there’s a water pipe with a stop-end on it. I spotted the end of the pipe lying there before the base was replaced …I’ve got a photo too somewhere. So even if the water dish is to be replaced I can’t imagine the fountain will actually be working.

Personally, I like the colour scheme - I wonder if it’s how it was originally painted?

There’s a couple of bits missing in the top too - Queen Victoria isn’t there on all four sides. Eagle eyed viewers of the real thing might notice something about the gargoyle dragons (or whatever they are) - three have open mouths whilst one has his/hers firmly shut.

Notice the rusty water stain - it’s only been a week!

Here’s a view of the inside with the white and yellow flower that it’s in each corner.

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Water Fountain Is Back

When: Friday 10th October
Where: Hoylake Social Club, Trinity Road
Cost: £5

There is a raffle, an auction, and local band Mustard Club are performing.

All proceeds go to the RNLI charity.

The event organisers are looking for some local businesses to donate raffle prizes - so if you can help out, please do.

If you want tickets or you’ve got any queries feel free to call Paul on 07786 383 685

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Hoylake RNLI Fund Raising Event

The property may afford potential for a variety of alternative uses. We are informed by the Vendor that under existing planning guidelines, planning would be considered for a number of uses including refurbishment of the existing building as a nursing home, new build nursing homes development, boutique hotel, office accommodation and use as a single dwelling (new build or refurbishment) all subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents. Architect drawings of a proposed new build 42 bedroom nursing home are available from the Auctioneer’s office upon request, however prospective purchasers are advised to make their own planning enquiries with the local authority.

So, we’ll wait and see what happens in our current property market.

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The Paddock, Meols Drive, Hoylake