DEVELOPER Lawrence Kenwright has spoken about his ambitious plans to transform the Loyola Hall building into a hotel and wedding venue.

The Star reported last week that the owner of Liverpool-based Signature Living, is seeking to transform the historic building.

A planning application is in the process of being drawn up to be submitted to the local authority.

Since its closure in 2014 by the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits, the hall has been used in partnership with Camelot for residential use by people who agree to act as guardians of the property.

Uncertainty over the building’s future led residents to form an action group to ensure the hall could be used in future, with the ‘Friends of Rainhill Hall’ Facebook group attracting hundreds of members.

And Lawrence says he has had positive feedback from campaigners since the purchase.

“The response has been 100 per cent positive, I don’t think there has been a single negative one,” Lawrence told the Star.

“The plans are still getting done at the moment.

“We had a meeting with the council and based on that we are going with plans for a change of use from what it is now to a hotel.”

Mr Kenwright has already met with guardians of the building who will remain at the hall over the coming months.

“Everyone is staying there and they are all very happy with it. They want that security,” added Lawrence.

St Helens Star:

Loyola Hall in Rainhill

The Grade II listed building had been used for spiritual retreats by the Jesuits who bought it in 1923.

Loyola Hall has a history stretching back to 1824 when it was built by landowner Bartholomew Bretherton.

Lawrence added: “We think Rainhill needs that hall back.

“The development will bring about 70 jobs. This isn’t going to be normal, we are going to try and make this stand apart.”