Save Our Station: readers have their say on the future of the abandoned Heswall police HQ

This week we asked what is to become of Heswall police station, and if the community, following in the footsteps of our neighbours in West Kirby and Hoylake, might be able to harness local power to try to make something special happen.

In Hoylake, with substantial support from the government's Coastal Communities Fund, the Victorian former town hall will become the Beacon Arts Village; while in West Kirby, the old Unitarian Church is home to the town's Arts Centre.

Heswall police station has been out of use for six years - and let's face it, it won't be maintaining and repairing itself.

Something has to be done, which, at the very least in our opinion, maintains its fine looking facade on Telegraph Road.

The Save Our Station message we sent triggered a great response on social media, showing that people do care what happens to it.

There were many comments and ideas, of which these, in no particular order, are just a few:

Jane Marie: Should be a community centre similar to the Parade School in Hoylake. Availability to mental health support and a safe space for groups. Office space to rent for start up businesses. So many good uses to benefit the local community.

Valerie Warr: The creation of Heswall Arts Centre. Studios, rehearsal spaces, exhibitions and much more for our Community.

Mel Bevan: Something needs to be done, preferably something that doesn't mean knocking it down.

Rachel Woodworth: I reckon we could crowdfund buying it, although I imagine ownership would be complex, and would need a firm plan of what is going to be done with it beforehand. I'd happily support.

Naomi Raselli: A creative hub? It's a beautiful building in my opinion.

Nicola Scowen: It would make a fantastic bar and restaurant - maybe called The Old Nick.

Leslie Somerville: Just redevelop into beautiful apartments for young first time buyers. Who in their right mind would want to knock down such a beautiful building? God, I wish I had the money! It's even got its own parking!

Sylvia Mould: A couple of old police stations have been turned into children's day nurseries.

Jo Kirkham: A youth club / hub! Much needed in the area.

Jane Mountfield: The fact that it's been up and down for sale more than an eBay T-shirt says it's too expensive to develop and will end up in ruins. Heswall needs less empty shops and a more vibrant community...Lots of charity shops on short lease, poor parking and far too many empty properties.

Mark Skillicorn: I'd turn it into Heswall Library and Heritage Centre, then use the current Heswall Library as a youth / kids hub and club, and exhibition / activities centre.

Many thanks to everyone who responded. Who knows - perhaps we can make something special happen...

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