Liverpool Black History Research Group (LBHRG) has been successful in its campaign to stop the demolition of a historic building.
Following an application by LBHRG, Historic England announced ‘Bark Hill’ - which sits within Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU) I M Marsh Campus at Mossley Hill - will now be protected as a listed building.
The group was alerted to the threat to the early 19th century property when the University vacated the campus and consulted the general public on a proposed master plans for future redevelopment.
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Proposals at the time showed the potential for demolition and its redevelopment for housing and public open space.
Bark Hill is one of the earliest fashionable villas surviving in one of the most exclusive residential areas of Liverpool favoured by rich merchants and ship owners of the 19th century.
The history group was pleased the University had already indicated it would retain Bark Hill in any revised proposals following a meeting with estates director Mark Askew in 2021.
In a letter to LBHRG this week, Historic England stated that 'having carefully considered the architectural and historic interest, the criteria for listing Bark Hill are fulfilled.’
Spokesperson for LBHRG, Laurence Westgaph said: "Bark Hill is a historic building of architectural merit with connections to the slave economy.
“LJMU is one of many institutions signed up to the Universities Studying Slavery Initiative and this provides the perfect opportunity to relate Liverpool’s role in that history to this site.
“This is why we presented the case 'Bark Hill‘ should be retained to be explained."
LJMU spokesperson said: “LJMU has been part of the community in Mossley Hill for a very long time. As part of our approach to being good neighbours we asked the community their feelings about the future of the IM Marsh site.
“Thanks to those conversations we made many changes, revising any future plans, to keep Bark Hill to reflect both the historical value and local affection towards the building.
"As always, we’re very grateful to the local community for their contributions and continued passion to protect the legacy of LJMU at IM Marsh".
Group member Kim Rawlinson said: "We look forward to seeing the revised proposals and further dialogue with LJMU.
“The retention of Bark Hill gives LJMU an opportunity to work with LBHRG to uncover the university’s links to slavery through its forerunner; Liverpool Mechanics Institute.
“The institute’s two major founding benefactors were both steeped in slavery".
The original neoclassical villa of Bark Hill was built in the early 19th century, but the architect is not known.
In the early 20th century Bark Hill was acquired by Irene Mabel Marsh (1875-1938) as a physical training college for women and later renamed, after her death, IM Marsh College of Physical Education.
Taking into account architectural interest and history Historical England found Internally the historic layout is largely retained and typical of high quality villas set in private grounds with owners made rich, directly or indirectly, through their links with the Transatlantic slave trade.
This protection applies to the original building and excludes its 20th century additions.
Laurence added: “LBHRG seeks to highlight the contribution of people of African descent to Liverpool’s development as I believe this has largely gone unacknowledged.
“Investigating Bark Hill should be the beginning of research, not the end, and must be done in collaboration with interested groups from Liverpool’s black community.
“We are grateful our National Heritage body recognises the importance of protecting this building and highlighting its history in the longer term".
For more information visit LBHRG website.
