Our hopes and dreams for Walton Hall

THE leader of Warrington Borough Council has spelled out the authority’s hopes and dreams for the future of historic Walton Hall.
Coun Ian Marks (pictured) says the hall is a jewel in Warrington’s crown – and has made it clear it is not for sale.
He was responding to rumours in the town that Walton Hall and its grounds were for sale.
Coun Marks said: “I can confirm that the council has no plans to sell Walton Hall, the estate or gardens. We recognise the Walton Hall Estate as a fantastic asset for the people of Warrington and the council. It is a jewel in our crown.
“However we also recognise that the Walton Hall Estate needs significant investment and improvement to meet the expectations for public facilities in the 21st Century and it does face significant repair and dereliction issues.
“There has been a lack of investment for 20 years
” Unfortunately the council is not able to invest the levels of money into the estate to bring it up to a good state of repair and to create the improvements we desire.
“As such we are exploring many options as to how we may generate these improvements in partnership with others.”
Coun Marks said the council’s partners could be other public sector organisations, private businesses, groups such as the National Trust and local people.
He cited Tatton Park as a good example of how the Walton Estate could be developed.
“We are absolutely clear that we wish the estate to remain in the council’s ownership and open to the public.”
Coun Marks said advertising to ascertain the level of interest from potential investors had been interpreted by some the estate being for sale. This was definitely not the case.
“Council officers are merely seeking initial expressions of interest from those who can work in partnership with the council, to achieve our aspirations for the estate.
“We are exploring a range of potential relationships with potential partners including the private sector.
“By working in collaboration with the private sector and other partners, the council hopes to benefit from their expertise, business experience and investment to improve Walton Hall, associated outbuildings and grounds.
“The aim is to create an integrated leisure destination of regional profile that will benefit local people and provide a boost to the local economy. All other avenues of funding are also being explored including bids to the Heritage Lottery and the NWDA.”
Initial expressions of interest are to be received no later than July 17, he said. The “soft market testing” would provide invaluable and essential information which the council would use to put together a master-plan for the future development and improvement of the estate. But the master plan be subject to consultation with members, residents and stakeholders.