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.
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02
03 - Main Entrance Doors
04 - A View looking up at the Tower
05 - Access to the Basement (Flooded)
06
07 - Out the Office Window
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09 - Air Raid.
10 - Up the Tower to the offices
11 - 3rd Floor up
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You came, you seen.... I hope you enjoyed.:-)