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The developer behind the stalled Beacon project in Hoylake has given an update on the long-delayed scheme.
David Burke of Hylgar Properties has not spoken about the scheme for over two years, when he was interviewed by The Liverpool Post and insisted he was committed to making it work despite setbacks including the death of his father and complications including increased labour costs and materials.
Now in an update, he says specialist contractors are currently on site carrying out a programme of technical investigations and testing.
He insists the project team are "working closely alongside Government, specialist consultants, contractors and funding partners to move the development forward", and to "ensure it remains deliverable, sustainable and capable of creating lasting value for Hoylake".
However there is, as of yet, no public timescale for completion, nor any detail of occupiers being secured for the former Hoylake Town Hall building.
The site had originally been slated to become a cinema and arts hub in a scheme initially driven by a local community interest company which secured almost £4 million from the government's Coastal Communities Fund.
David Burke said: "The Beacon has always been about much more than restoring a building. It's about creating something that will serve Hoylake for generations to come.
"We've continued working on this project every day, even when that work hasn't been visible from the outside. A great deal of effort has gone into technical investigations, planning, funding discussions and working collaboratively with Government and our project partners to make sure we're building on solid foundations.
"Every significant regeneration project encounters challenges along the way. What's important is how those challenges are addressed. We've taken the time to make the right decisions for the long-term success of The Beacon, and as a result I believe the project is now stronger than it has ever been.
"Seeing specialist contractors back on site is an important milestone and another sign of the progress being made. There is still work ahead of us, but we're excited about the future and the opportunities this project can create for Hoylake.
"One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the support we've received from the local community. Almost every time I walk along Market Street, someone stops to wish us well and to ask how we're getting on. Those conversations mean a great deal to me and to the wider team, and they remind us how much people care about seeing The Beacon brought back to life.
"I'd like to thank everyone sincerely for their continued encouragement, patience and belief in the project. We can't wait to share more news with our community over the coming months, celebrate future milestones together and ultimately welcome people through the doors of a Beacon that Hoylake can be truly proud of."
The project team says preparations for the next phase of delivery progress, with further announcements to be made as key milestones are reached.
Work is also continuing completing long-delayed social housing apartments at the rear of the site. The land was sold to help fund the redevelopment of the Beacon but the developer went bust in 2023 and Torus Housing have had to have it fitted out all over again because it did not comply with building regulations.
