Toad Hall Today – Essential Contemporary Art or Vandalism of Local Heritage?
Sefton Council commissioned talented street artist Paul Curtis to create his large mural on Ainsdale’s iconic Toad Hall. The colourful work appears to be rolling along well and not far from completion.
Above: Toad Hall before the new artwork was initiated.
Public feelings have understandably been very mixed, with many folks expressing delight at the art. However, others have displayed scorn at the decision to convert this well-known landmark into what some have called a misplaced extension of nearby Pontins.
Toad Hall was originally erected in the 1920s. It was established to be the start of an Ainsdale promenade yet plans never reached fruition.
Locals remember the building as a fashionable nightclub, but since it closed the building has remained deserted.
The mural was allegedly created to improve the appearance of the building. However, some residents feel that such beloved local heritage deserved preserving as it was originally and treating with more respect.
All credit to the skilled artist, yet new names are emerging for this newly repainted – old relic, which may delight some people but enrage others.
Lizard Hall
Gateway to Pontins
Godzilla’s Manor
Sefton Council’s Folly
Ainsdale Mansions
Reptilian Plaza
The Knackered Natterjack
Can you think of a worthy title for this once proud part of Ainsdale’s coastal heritage?
Is it a valuable bonus to Ainsdale’s economy or an expensive, council-approved, judgemental error that’s out-of-place for this area?