WALLASEY Town Hall has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.

The change comes from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport following advice from Historic England.

The upgrade recognises the architectural and historic significance of the building and its importance to the local community and its contribution to the heritage of Wallasey.

Sarah Charlesworth, Listing Team Leader with Historic England, said: “Wallasey Town Hall is a very special piece of municipal architecture with a rich history, from treating First World War casualties, surviving a hit from a bomb in the Second World War, and hosting visits from three monarchs. 

“We hope the upgraded listing will deepen people’s appreciation of this remarkable building and help to conserve it for future generations.”

What is a listed building?

A building is listed when it is of "special architectural or historic interest" considered to be of "national importance" and therefore worth "protecting".

As the term implies, a listed building is actually added to a list: the National Heritage List for England. 

Listed buildings come in three categories of 'significance':

  • Grade I for buildings of the highest significance
  • Grade II* 
  • Grade II

Originally listed in 1990 at Grade II, a recent review has upgraded the building due to its unusually monumental form, including a pyramidal tower crown and the sculptor of its main tower features, William Birnie Rhind.  At Grade II*, Wallasey Town Hall now stands alongside just 5.8% of England’s listed buildings, 91.7% of which are listed at Grade II.

Built in 1914 and opened in 1920, Wallasey Town Hall was originally used as a military hospital during the First World War, serving more than 3,500 wounded soldiers. Designed by renowned architects Briggs, Wolstenholme & Thornely, the town hall stands as a testament to the pride and ambition of the new borough created in 1913.

Over the years, Wallasey Town Hall has witnessed several events, including visits by King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. Despite undergoing alterations and modernisations, the building retains its architectural integrity and maintains a strong connection to local history and heritage.

While currently closed for general use since 2020, Wallasey Town Hall remains an important symbol of civic pride and a venue for meetings and events.

Councillor Jerry Williams, Wirral’s Mayor and the Council’s Heritage sokesperson, said: “It’s wonderful to see another of Wirral’s fantastic buildings being recognised in this way. Wallasey town hall is a landmark building on the banks of the Mersey and one of the most recognisable structures on our coast.

“For many years the town hall has also been the administrative centre for Wirral Council and while it is currently closed for maintenance and repairs while we look to bring forward regeneration in the area around it, Wallasey town hall will remain one of the iconic sights on Wirral’s skyline.”