GATEACRE RIDING SCHOOL (continued)

We visited the Riding School on Gateacre Walk I in 1977 seeing the interior (where the 10 loose boxes had been removed) being used as an indoor riding school. This school was closed in Feb. 1980, a scheme by Rosario Zammit, architect, for conversion to dwellings, with extra houses at the rear of the yard in a 'mews' type layout having received planning consent.

However, the conversion now being carried out by the new owner Mr Barry Eckman is to a different design of his own choosing. The design is a sensitive one, it shows respect for the structure and appreciation of the importance of materials. The conversion works with the building and in the spirit of the building. The idea of producing a facsimile is a good idea, displaying architectural good manners and keeping in keeping with the existing building. At the same time it has the effect of creating a street or the feeling of a mews. The laying of setts is a most appropriate choice and in terms of its execution is being very well done.

MORPHETS BUTCHERS SHOP - the first building on this site was there by 1835, in 1841 it was recorded as Mrs Jacksons, grocers, with among her lodgers William Lee born c.1816 in Penrith and a journeyman joiner, by 1851 William Lee had married her (their eldest child was 7) and his occupation is given as bread baker. Some 20 years later these premises had become a butcher's shop, John Taylor's, and we think it has been a butchers ever since. In 1957 the owners, Morphets, wished to rebuild and the building we see dates from then. The architect was Wm Victor Hogarth L.R.I.B.A. of Shenley Road, Liverpool 15, and we have a photograph of the first proposal for a 'black & white' design which, it is said, was unacceptable to the planning authority who insisted on the - much more expensive - Woolton stone design. The result which is so much in keeping with its neighbours, and the high quality of the workmanship, is an example of how such an alteration can and should be carried out in the centre of a Conservation Area.

The group: 1 - 9 BELLE VALE ROAD (Listed)

Nos 1 & 2 Belle Vale Road; built, we think, by 1835, or a few years earlier - we have not yet satisfied ourselves as to the date. The ownership record shows that in 1845 No.1 belonged to William Greenough (born c.1793 in L.W., married Ellen Houghton) and No.2 belonged to Thomas Greenough (born c.1786 in L.W. and married to a girl from Hawkshead).

continued . . .