CONSTRUCTION work has started on a £1.275m scheme to redevelop the former Widnes Town Hall building, after developer Bridge Leisure secured bank funding.

The redevelopment of the landmark 123-year-old building involves the creation of a small boutique hotel, a function room, a bar and restaurant. The project is expected to take nine months to complete.

NatWest in Chester provided Bridge Leisure with funding for the acquisition and redevelopment of the site.

Steve Lawler, managing director of Bridge Leisure, said: “This building is a Widnes landmark with a unique history and character.

“It is rare to be able to acquire and develop a building of this nature and our goal is to maximise its original features and incorporate these into a contemporary design.”

The grade-II listed building was built in 1885 and opened two years later to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

During the 1980s, it was used to house the Halton Chemical Industry Museum and more recently was the home of Halton Business Forum. In recent years, the building has been derelict and fallen into a state of disrepair.

The plans, which protect the building’s historic façade, involve the creation of a two-storey extension to the rear which will house the hotel, function room, bar and restaurant. The hotel will have 20 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 40 guests.

Rob Grace, relationship manager, commercial banking at NatWest, said: “The building is one of the most impressive in Widnes and deserves to be in full use.

“Steve has impressed us with his plans for the hotel and restaurant and once open, we expect it will be a very popular place with both local residents and visitors to the town.”

tonymcdonough