Grade II-listed tenement in Vauxhall remains derelict after two decades, with restoration stalled and local residents raising concerns.
A grade II listed tenement building in North Liverpool, known as Eldon Grove, has reached a critical state of decline. Once considered a landmark of the city's housing, the structure has been left to decay for two decades, blighted by neglect and persistent vandalism. The building was first opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912 and is believed to be the last remaining example of its kind in the area. It is situated among the quiet streets of the Eldon Grove estate and has long been a fixture in the local landscape.
John Doyle, a local resident and Liberal Democrat campaigner, has lived opposite the site for 24 years. Reflecting on the building's significance, Doyle said, "The building's been in my life all the time. I've lived here. It's part of the fabric of the area." He described the structure in its prime as a thriving residential space where people, including children playing football, once gathered.
However, the site began to fall into disrepair in the early 2000s. Although a plan to transform the building into an apartment complex was approved by the city council in 2016, work stalled around 2020 and has not resumed. Current leaseholders, JGLT Developments Limited, began the renovation project in partnership with Bond Street Limited. In April 2023, Bond Street reported that they intended to continue the redevelopment, though they alleged that the city council was hindering their progress.
In the meantime, the building has continued to suffer from vandalism and the illegal dumping of trash on the surrounding land. A Liverpool Council spokesperson noted that while the council does not own or control the private site, they remain in contact with the owners. "We remain clear that the long-term ambition is to see this historically significant building restored and brought back into productive use for the benefit of the Vauxhall community," the spokesperson stated. The council noted that it engages through the planning and regeneration process and continues to take action regarding site safety, cleanliness, and antisocial behavior.
For local residents like Doyle, the ongoing abandonment is a source of frustration. He emphasized the potential for the building to serve the community again, suggesting that developing it into affordable housing could address current social needs. He lamented that after 25 to 30 years of neglect, the community has become accustomed to the site's derelict appearance.
