2026 is here and I have been thinking about the changes I would love to see in Liverpool in 2025, including tackling the derelict buildings blighting our beautiful city.
Despite large sums of money being invested into the regeneration of Liverpool and the surrounding city region, many run-down buildings have been earmarked for restoration which has failed to materialise, others have seen planning applications fall through and some have even been devastated by fires.
Many important buildings - such as former churches and historic halls - have been granted Listed status, which protects them from being demolished or altered, but sadly does not ensure they are properly maintained. As a result, many have become overrun with rot and, in some cases, are in a complete state of ruin.
From abandoned pubs to once magnificent buildings, these are some of the eyesores I would love to see restored over the next 12 months. Let me know which buildings you would like to see tackled by leaving a comment below.
1. Welsh Presbyterian Church, Toxteth
Toxteth's Welsh Presbyterian Church is quite the eyesore, in a decaying state. It is a Grade II-listed building, with a beautiful tall steeple. Plans were in place to restore the church, however, none materialised. In recent years, the roof has collapsed and, someone who was a Toxteth resident for a number of years, I would to love it restored | Rodhullandemu, CC BY-SA 4.0
2. Woolton Hall, Woolton
Built in 1704, Woolton Hall previously served as a hotel, an army hospital, a convent and a school but had fallen into disrepair in recent years. Campaigning for the building's restoration has been ongoing but, its future became even more uncertain in August 2025, after it was engulfed in flames. The building is not owned by Liverpool Council, and the legal owner – Woolton Hall Ltd – remains principally responsible for its upkeep and repair, but the law gives councils routes to intervene if preservation is at risk. In October, Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said: “Our priority is safety which is why we will instruct urgent remedial work to remove the most unstable walls and secure the site. These measures are intended to prevent access and reduce the immediate risk, but they cannot guarantee to stop determined illegal entry, and the owner remains ultimately responsible for security. “Once the emergency works are completed, we will promptly consider further enforcement under the listed building legislation and the Building Act to protect the long-term future of Woolton Hall.” | Merseyside Police
3. Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
The Britannia Adelphi Hotel is still open and taking bookings, however, it is widely regarded as one of Liverpool's ugliest buildings. The once glorious hotel is sadly looking rather run down and has earned a poor name over recent years, with bad reviews and several incidents. | Google
4. Greenbank Drive Synagogue, Sefton Park
This Grade II* listed synagogue is located on Greenbank Drive and was built 1936. It has been vacated by the local congregation. Urgent repairs to stabilise the building were carried out, grant-aided by Historic England. However, it remains unoccupied, and vegetation is evident at roof level and within the masonry, in addition to deteriorating glazing. Proposals for conversion to flats have not been taken forward. Historic England said: "Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric." | Rodhullandemu, CC BY-SA 3.0