'Piece of Liverpool in north Wales' to be sold off

2 hours ago

Jonny HumphriesNorth West

News image — Generations of Liverpool children have made the trip to Colomendy since World War Two

Liverpool Council Rows of dormitary style buildings with slate rooves and green window frames sit in a green space in front of a gentle slope lined with trees. — Generations of Liverpool children have made the trip to Colomendy since World War Two

The historic Colomendy outdoor education centre in north Wales - beloved by generations of Liverpool children - is being put on the market.

Liverpool City Council, which owns the property, took it back over in June last year after its tenant Kingswood Colomendy Ltd went into liquidation.

The 106 acre former manor house site, near Mold, has played host to hundreds of thousands of Liverpool schoolchildren since 1940.

Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said: "Our focus is on finding a long-term use that reflects local ambitions and delivers real, lasting benefits."

Small said Liverpool and Colomendy has a "deep-rooted connection" going back to World War Two, when it was built as an evacuation facility for Liverpool children.

After the war it was opened as an outdoor education centre, becoming a feature of school life for Merseyside children and offering many inner-city youngsters their first ever experience of the countryside.

The council bought the 106 acre (0.5km) site, which includes a Grade II-listed manor house, in 1957. Over time it has leased it to various operators.

Five boys, with clothing and hairstyles indicating the picture was likely taken in the 1970s, stand in front of a barbed wire fence behind which two red and white coloured cows are grazing — For many Liverpool children Colomendy was their first experience of the countryside

However at the beginning of last year Kingswood said it would close with immediate effect after its parent company, Inspiring Learning Ltd, collapsed.

Now the council has decided to put the properties, set within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, on the market.

It said it would work with Denbighshire County Council to find a suitable buyer.

"We are determined to see that heritage respected," Small said.

"The right proposal will not only protect that legacy, but create a positive and enduring impact for generations to come."

Councillor Alan James, local development and planning lead at Denbighshire Council, said: "It has welcomed generations of young people from Liverpool who have built a lifelong connection with this part of north Wales and its communities.

"Ensuring the long-term viability of this site for future generations is important to us here at Denbighshire and we will work with Liverpool City Council and partners to make sure that this happens."

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