Beloved Merseyside landmark to be brought back to life by Nautilus Welfare Fund

Plans have been submitted to Wirral Council for a major new addition to the Nautilus accommodation and welfare facilities for retired seafarers in Wallasey, which would revitalise the landmark site at Andrew Gibson House next to the Union's Mariners' Park Estate.

'The Nautilus Welfare Fund is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the planning application to revitalise the Andrew Gibson House site,' said Nautilus welfare services manager Mick Howarth. 'Working in partnership with the developer Prospect Capital and Wirral Borough Council, an imaginative plan has been assembled to develop the site. '

The charity has been working with the council and the developer for the last two years on the redevelopment of the former home for the widows and orphans of seafarers, which will be refurbished to provide 34 new apartments. Three detached houses will also be built in the grounds. Three new apartment schemes are also proposed, straddling the Gibson House site and the land adjacent to the promenade. These include a 61-place apartment scheme, a 26-place scheme and a smaller 11-place block. The 26-place apartment scheme, overlooking the River Mersey, will be for the use of Nautilus Welfare Fund charity beneficiaries.

Mr Howarth commented: 'These proposals will bring Andrew Gibson House back to life and restore a cherished local landmark. The proposals will also add a new accommodation block for use by retired mariners and significantly extend the number of homes the charity can provide.'