Plans in for 16-storey Bootle scheme

Plans have been submitted to transform a 16-storey tower in Bootle into a mixed-use development.Healthcare developer VVHC is behind the proposals, which have been put forward to Sefton Council.The scheme, which would be carried out in partnership with registered provider One Vision Housing and contractor Carroll Build, will see the empty Irlam House renovated into a hub for the care of the elderly. The building would be re-clad and fitted with new community facilities on two additional penthouse floors, including a communal lounge and top floor restaurant.It would also include viewing decks, a gym and yoga room, cinema roof, craft rooms and beauty therapy rooms.Work would start on-site in the summer of 2019 with completion expected in the autumn of 2020. The finished scheme would provide 20 end-user jobs, with more than 100 construction roles being made available using Carroll Build’s extensive supply chain.VVHC chief executive Roy Kenny said the aim of the project is to “raise the bar”.The property was built by George Wimpey in 1964 to a design by architect T. Finlay. It had originally been ear-marked for demolition but VVHC identified that it remained structurally sound and developed the funding model that showed Sefton Council that it could meet its care obligations.