Wirral Council Clashes with Developer Over Future of Derelict Liscard Office Block
A significant controversy has erupted in the heart of Liscard regarding the fate of Dominick House, a vacant former office building described by critics as a "derelict hulk" with numerous smashed and boarded-up windows. Manchester-based developer Belgravia has proposed transforming the structure into fifty high-quality apartments, but Wirral councillors are strongly opposing this plan, advocating instead for complete demolition to better serve community interests.
The Developer's Vision for Regeneration
Belgravia Family Ltd, led by CEO and founder Chris Howell, has been engaged in discussions with Wirral Council since December 2025 about acquiring the freehold of Dominick House for £220,000. The developer envisions creating modern, fully managed, mortgage-qualifying apartments that would radically alter the appearance of the currently dilapidated building on St Albans Road.
According to Belgravia's projections:
- All fifty units could be sold within eight weeks of completion
- Construction could be finished within one year
- The project would avoid demolition costs estimated at £725,000
- It would generate approximately £150,000 in annual council tax revenue
Chris Howell described the proposal as "a low-risk, high-impact solution" that would "remove a current liability while unlocking long-term economic and social value" for Liscard. The developer has previous experience with Wirral projects, including Hordan House in Birkenhead and Pier House in New Brighton.
Council Relations Deteriorate
Despite initial optimism, Belgravia reports that communication with Wirral Council has completely broken down. In January 2026 emails revealed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Howell expressed frustration that their proposals "now feel like a wasted effort" due to lack of progress with the council.
"We have received no acknowledgment or response, and our attempts to reach out have been ignored, and more recently, our calls declined," Howell stated in correspondence to council officials. He added that the situation had "been a bit of a nightmare" and that Belgravia was approaching a "now or never" decision point regarding the project.
Local Councillors Push for Demolition
Liscard's three Labour councillors—James Laing, Janette Williamson, and Graeme Cooper—have united in opposition to the conversion plans. After reviewing Belgravia's proposals, they declared the flats "not what the local community or we as local councillors want."
Councillor Cooper emphasized that regeneration efforts should prioritize community benefit over developer interests, stating: "What residents and businesses have told us very clearly is that they do not want to see Dominick House converted into flats. They want this derelict hulk to be knocked down and the site put to some better use that can serve the community and help with Liscard's long overdue regeneration."
The councillors report that community sentiment strongly favors demolition, with some residents even suggesting the site could accommodate a new supermarket or other community-serving facilities.
Property Ownership and Historical Context
Dominick House has stood empty since 2018, creating an eyesore in central Liscard for nearly eight years. The property ownership is divided, with Wirral Council holding the freehold and Prospect Estates owning the leasehold. This dual ownership structure has contributed to the prolonged uncertainty about the building's future.
A Wirral Council spokesperson stated: "The council is working closely with stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcome for Dominick House and proposals will be brought back to committee for a decision to be made on its future."
Broader Implications for Liscard Regeneration
This dispute highlights broader tensions between development priorities and community aspirations in Wirral's regeneration efforts. While Belgravia argues their conversion plan offers practical, immediate benefits including avoiding substantial demolition costs and generating revenue, local representatives maintain that community consultation should drive decision-making.
Chris Howell of Belgravia expressed his company's commitment to the area, saying: "In somewhere like Liscard, you can really put your stamp on it. You can create regeneration. We are a family business. We want to be proud of the developments that we do. We know the area and it will have a really positive impact on the community."
However, with councillors firmly aligned with community preferences for demolition and the developer indicating they may "walk away" if progress stalls, the future of Dominick House remains uncertain as stakeholders await the council committee's final decision.
