Following on from my previous blog article, Councillor Owen and I stopped to inspect The Langworthy Hotel – this superb example of 19th century architecture is now destined for demolition by Salford Council, who purchased the property in 2000. After several failed attempts to secure investors and sell it to developers, the decision seems to have been made to level it. Rather strange, considering this page from Salford City Council’s own website (which was recently updated) states “We believe that this building (and land), its location, architectural attributes and close ties to the local community provide the essential requirements to create a positive impact.”

The money that has been spent on The Langworthy Hotel by Salford City Council since it took ownership is not inconsiderable. Following the purchase, the council spent almost £26,000 in 2004 engaging consultants Meadowhead Consulting to come up with a business plan for the retention of the building. At the time, the proposal requirements stated by the council were “We would like to engage the consultants to provide a realistic, concrete, action focussed business plan for the building with a sustainable end use or uses so that this valuable local asset and landmark building is regenerated and does not become a further burden to the public purse.”

But now it seems the fate of The Langworthy Hotel is sealed. The Sustainable Regeneration Directorate has proved what an oxymoron it really is, by approving it’s demolition. While it’s sad to see such a wonderful building disappear, it is even more disheartening when the local community has made it’s opinions clear that the hotel would complement the ongoing developments on Langworthy Road.

In April 2004, The Seedley and Langworthy Initiative published a report entitled “Accessing Community Demand for The Langworthy Hotel” in which the responses to questionnaires sent out to every household in the area are summarised. The majority (well over two thirds) of residents thought that the Hotel would make a suitable additional community venue and their last choice would be for the Hotel to be demolished.

Indeed, in publishing it’s decision to demolish the Hotel, the Sustainable Regeneration Directorate even mentioned that The Seedley and Langworthy Trust (S.A.L.T.) was interested in exploring a bid from the Community Builders fund, that could bring the building back into use for the local community. The Directorate ignored this expression of interest from S.A.L.T. on the ground it would “take too long”.

I think this decision is a travesty and hope that Langworthy residents can come out in support of The Langworthy Hotel before it’s too late. Surely until every possible option has been exhausted, including any bid via SALT, the Hotel should not be demolished. I don’t understand why Salford Council see demolition as the answer to Salford’s problem. Demolition should always be the last resort.