Report - Central Hydraulic Tower and Engine House, Birkenhead - March 13

A Little History
Designed By Jesse Hartley, the Central Hydraulic Tower and Engine House, Birkenhead was completed in 1863, however after substantial damage during the second world war much of the pumping house had to be redesigned, its main use was to prove power for the movement of lock gates and bridges at Birkenhead Docks. The design of the building was based on the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza Della in Italy.

At the top of the original 1863 tower used to be a Large Lantern, however when re-built after the war this was not reinstated.
The current plans for this historical building is to be incorporated into the Wirral waters regeneration scheme and be fully restored, however these restoration plans propose to turn the building into a Bar & Restaurant with a Ninety Two bedroom hotel complex constructed immediately Adjacent to it.


The Explore
I have known this site my whole life however never visited, until now. Not going out primarily to explore and being alone, I had my SLR’s with me however not a tri-pod or a torches however the sun was shining bright and actually the light was fine throughout.

The building itself is standing well, if not a little bare but with plenty of corridors, hidden rooms and a huge tower to climb and explore. It was a very well enjoyed visit, if not a little unprepared.

This is my first report on this site so I hope you enjoy.

01
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ad68b96.jpg

02
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...pse3fbafdc.jpg

03 - Main Entrance Doors
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps45060196.jpg

04 - A View looking up at the Tower
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8faf14c5.jpg

05 - Access to the Basement (Flooded)
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps06bfbcbb.jpg

06
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps889b7b4d.jpg

07 - Out the Office Window
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps08240073.jpg

08
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps40d0abcd.jpg

09 - Air Raid.
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3ab9a5f4.jpg

10 - Up the Tower to the offices
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...psa3ca7a25.jpg

11 - 3rd Floor up
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps61f2a591.jpg

12
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4933051c.jpg

13
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1741a60b.jpg

You came, you seen.... I hope you enjoyed.:-)

Cool beans man :) pity that it was cleared out after the fire..thanks for the report!

Cool place this :)

Looks a good place!

nice shots liked the shot of the doors and the air raid sign was a bonus

Quote:

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Originally Posted by myke

nice shots liked the shot of the doors and the air raid sign was a bonus

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I nearly missed the air raid sign, had have not looked to my left whilst on stairs I would have completely missed it.

Nice report mate did you get onto the roof ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TRANCENTRAL

did you get onto the roof ?

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made it to the flat roof above the offices and on a second visit with a little pushing (i'm not one for heights at all) made it up the circular stairs to the middle set of openings/windows, on the tower.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DJAJXKP

made it to the flat roof above the offices and on a second visit with a little pushing (i'm not one for heights at all) made it up the circular stairs to the middle set of openings/windows, on the tower.

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Great stuff mate its a mission to get to the top but well worth it for the view:thumbup

up on the roof
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps80409cc0.jpg

Like the tower and the old air raid sign.