Plans to sell off Southampton’s 600-year-old Woolhouse revealed

Plans to sell lease on Southampton’s 600-year-old Woolhouse revealed

11:00am Monday 4th April 2011

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By Matt Smith

»

Political reporter

THE home of Southampton’s Maritime Museum is being sold off to become a pub or cafe, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The Grade I listed Wool House, which houses the city’s Titanic display, is being marketed by Southampton City Council.

It is the only surviving freestanding mediaeval warehouse in Southampton, built in 1415 as a storehouse for wool to be exported to Europe.

The Wool House in Town Quay Road has hosted the Maritime Museum since 1961. It tells the story of the city’s links with the Titanic.

But in recent years the museum has been propped up by a hefty subsidy as visitor numbers have plummeted.

Southampton City Council is now inviting expressions of interest in a commercial lease to conserve the building while bringing it back into the commercial life of the city.

Under the deal the building could become an office, a pub, cafe, restaurant, art gallery, or an exhibition centre under the minimum 20-year lease being offered by the council.

Figures obtained by the Daily Echo showed Maritime Museum visitors plummeted by a third in three years leaving the council with losses of £500,000.

The council has been paying up to £5 in subsidy for each visitor, despite adult tickets costing only £2.50.

Leisure and heritage boss councillor John Hannides admitted last year that the level of subsidy was too high and that a “suitable alternative use” was being considered.

Cllr Hannides said the council recognised its historic role but this would now change as it is replaced by a new £15m Sea City Museum next to the Civic Centre in time for the centenary of the
Titanic disaster next April.

“We are keen to ensure the Wool House still has a future and one in which people have access to it.

“It’s a fabulous building with a lot of character and I’m optimistic there will be operators who would see a useful future for the building.”

Ian Ferguson from the City of Southampton Society said: “In an ideal world we would rather it remain in public ownership for public enjoyment.

“It is important that it is used and maintained but most importantly that it’s respected. We would be very concerned if a commercial operator put up bright light hoardings on the outside.

“We would be looking for a sympathetic use and something to which the public have access.”

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The Woolhouse Factfile

• The Wool House was constructed in 1415 by Cistercian Monks as a storehouse for wool to be exported to Europe. It is the only surviving freestanding mediaeval warehouse in Southampton.

• The 4,419 square feet property is dominated by a 14th Century arched collar braced roof of Spanish chestnut.

• It was altered in the 18th century and was used to house French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars, some of whose names can been seen carved on the beams of the roof.

Comments(36)

<!–sph205, Hedge End says… //–>
sph205, Hedge End says…

11:08am Mon 4 Apr 11

Anything but a pub!

<!–John Sydenham, Streatham says… //–>
John Sydenham, Streatham says…

11:29am Mon 4 Apr 11

[quote][p][bold]sph205[/bold] wrote:
Anything but a pub![/p][/quote]It will be a pub. Wetherspoon’s or something crappy like that. The cultural and historical vandalism of our city continues. And wouldn’t the Bargate make an excellent drive-through MacDonalds?

<!–Emma Goldman, Southampton says… //–>
Emma Goldman, Southampton says…

12:08pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The Tories would sell off their Grannies the air we breathe given half a chance!

<!–Tony S, southampton says… //–>
Tony S, southampton says…

12:09pm Mon 4 Apr 11

“The Wool House was constructed in 1415”

As a shed for storing wool it was a bit over engineered! Did the client ask the architect to make it last 600+ years?

“The Wool House was constructed in 1415”

As a shed for storing wool it was a bit over engineered! Did the client ask the architect to make it last 600+ years?

<!–Bagman, Southampton says… //–>
Bagman, Southampton says…

12:11pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Is Cllr Hanides trying to make a name for himself as the member who stripped the guts out of Southampton. He has sanctioned the building of the Titanic Museum in the wrong place and is now selling off the place where it should be. People wont go to a museum too far away from the |docks. Roll on the next election to get rid of this idiot. He hasn’t a clue about the city, maybe he should try another job and get a life
sw=lack-ball, how apt

<!–StEmmosfire, Woolston says… //–>
StEmmosfire, Woolston says…

12:17pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Would make a nice cafe bistro bar. The Chavs wont have any interest in using it hopefully. They have the center of town.

<!–SotonLad, Southampton says… //–>
SotonLad, Southampton says…

12:35pm Mon 4 Apr 11

More evidence of poor reporting from The Echo. The story states the council are leasing the premises however Matt Smiths dramatic headlines talk of a sell – off. Ridiculous.

<!–dizzychick, southampton says… //–>
dizzychick, southampton says…

12:36pm Mon 4 Apr 11

another pub or restaurant, well there’s a surprise havent we got enough of them in southampton already?

<!–Shoong, Winchester says… //–>
Shoong, Winchester says…

12:55pm Mon 4 Apr 11

[quote][p][bold]John Sydenham[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]sph205[/bold] wrote:
Anything but a pub![/p][/quote]It will be a pub. Wetherspoon’s or something crappy like that. The cultural and historical vandalism of our city continues. And wouldn’t the Bargate make an excellent drive-through MacDonalds?[/p][/quote]So you’re a regular visitor to it then? Doubt it.

<!–Rob444, Southampton says… //–>
Rob444, Southampton says…

12:57pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The reason for falling attendances is simply one of cost. Our museums used to be free, but some cuncil decided to try and make some money out of them. Don’t they realize that museums come under education?

Look at the Natural History and Science museums in London – brilliant, and most visitors are from overseas. Heaven knows what impression they get when visiting Southampton’s museums.

Very short sighted council.

Look at the Natural History and Science museums in London – brilliant, and most visitors are from overseas. Heaven knows what impression they get when visiting Southampton’s museums.

Very short sighted council.

<!–stmarysmush, soton says… //–>
stmarysmush, soton says…

12:59pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Good idea to change this building. Even at £2.50 the museum is a joke. The exhibits havent changed in 40 years so the price shouldnt change.

<!–I8SKATES, Southampton says… //–>
I8SKATES, Southampton says…

1:03pm Mon 4 Apr 11

So they are not actually selling it??!!

Typical Echo headline.

So they are not actually selling it??!!

Typical Echo headline.

<!–TS, Southampton says… //–>
ÚTS, Southampton says…

1:05pm Mon 4 Apr 11

SotonLad wrote:
More evidence of poor reporting from The Echo. The story states the council are leasing the premises however Matt Smiths dramatic headlines talk of a sell – off. Ridiculous.

It’s the same thing – the council are selling the lease to the building.

It’s not like renting a house, it’s more like buying a flat.

<!–Scrutinizer, Totton says… //–>
Scrutinizer, Totton says…

1:08pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The Wool House is one of the most important medieval buildings in Southampton. ‘If’ it’s ever used as a pub/bar, it will only run the risk of being damaged by p1ssed up morons, some of whom probably wouldn’t give a **** for it’s historical value. I believe that it should be kept within public ownership if at all possible. If sponsorship is necessary to assist this, then so be it. I think having it as an art gallery sounds fine, or even as a cafe/restaurant. But it should be accessible to the general public. Sotonians, like myself, want as much access to our heritage as possible. We must continue to pressure the council to ensure this.

<!–Huffybear, Southampton says… //–>
Huffybear, Southampton says…

1:14pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Just what we need in this town, another pub and the Council will do anything to get a fast buck, even if they’re selling our heritage down the river. It belongs to us, not them. They’ll be wanting to bulldoze the bargate next and put a hotel there.

<!–Lone Ranger, Southampton says… //–>
Lone Ranger, Southampton says…

1:21pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The Hannides Legacy:-
.
Titanic Museum …. Wrong end of the City.
.
Spitfire Monument….. Farce of a design competition.
.
Wool House……. Southampton Heritage may be used as a pub.
.
I can believe that these people try and do the best for this City. They just screw it up and dont give a ****

<!–SpittingFire, Still watching BBC INSIDE OUT SOUTH: Spitfire Monument latest! says… //–>
SpittingFire, Still watching BBC INSIDE OUT SOUTH: Spitfire Monument latest! says…

1:49pm Mon 4 Apr 11

[quote][p][bold]SotonLad[/bold] wrote:
More evidence of poor reporting from The Echo. The story states the council are leasing the premises however Matt Smiths dramatic headlines talk of a sell – off. Ridiculous.[/p][/quote]SotonLad, HOW DARE YOU RUBBISH MR SMITH! This fellah is an award-winner. I enjoy all his reports.
.
Simply adjust this title and intro yourself if you feel it necessary; to a ‘sell out’ instead as these Hannides’ heritage horrors continue.
.
“in recent years the museum has been propped up by a hefty subsidy as visitor numbers have plummeted” “leaving the council with losses of £500,000.” – Now it’ll be down to the Hannides House of Horror; the Sea City Museum, to pick up the strain where the Wool House leaves off. Actually, it is already is doing just that whilst attempting to capitalise on the Titanic disaster and the building is not even finished yet.
.
I can imagine, probably in less than five years, Hannides’ future incumbent reiterating those very words he himself has said:
.
“It’s a fabulous building with a lot of character and I’m optimistic there will be operators who would see a useful future for the building.”…
.
…about the Sea City Museum
.
Quite agree with Ian Ferguson. Wool House should be an art gallery or exhibition centre, especially considering the waterfront plans surrounding it, it will be a travesty if it is not used as something significant.
.
Bagman, you also missed the farce of the Spitfire monument competition to the list of Hannides’ heritage horrors – just type in ‘Spitfire monument’ into YouTube to view the BBC Inside Out report into the competition…

<!–waggers5, Chartwell Green says… //–>
waggers5, Chartwell Green says…

1:53pm Mon 4 Apr 11

It is what it is – if you visit the Great Hall in Winchester, it isn’t used as a bar, restaurant, or even a museum – it is the Great Hall. So why not let this building be open to the public as… the Woolhouse? A public space, somewhere to sit, shelter from the rain, escape from the traffic noise and bustle of the city centre, admire the architecture – it would cost very little to maintain but would be a real asset to the city.

But any notion of a Tory council creating anything for the public to enjoy for free is very unrealistic…

<!–allsaintsnocurves, Southampton says… //–>
allsaintsnocurves, Southampton says…

1:56pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Lone Ranger wrote:
The Hannides Legacy:- . Titanic Museum …. Wrong end of the City. . Spitfire Monument….. Farce of a design competition. . Wool House……. Southampton Heritage may be used as a pub. . I can believe that these people try and do the best for this City. They just screw it up and dont give a ****

Why does the Titanic Museum have to be by the waterfront? There’s a titanic museum in London and places in America…it is important that it is a decent museum. The Guildhall is one of the best looking buildings in Southampton and Guildhall square is a great open space that will be able to house a lot of events in future…it is another way of drawing tourists off the cruise ships and into the city!

If the Woolhouse is made into a French style cafe/wine bar it could be a great location for it…

[quote][p][bold]Lone Ranger[/bold] wrote:
The Hannides Legacy:- . Titanic Museum …. Wrong end of the City. . Spitfire Monument….. Farce of a design competition. . Wool House……. Southampton Heritage may be used as a pub. . I can believe that these people try and do the best for this City. They just screw it up and dont give a ****[/p][/quote]Why does the Titanic Museum have to be by the waterfront? There’s a titanic museum in London and places in America…it is important that it is a decent museum. The Guildhall is one of the best looking buildings in Southampton and Guildhall square is a great open space that will be able to house a lot of events in future…it is another way of drawing tourists off the cruise ships and into the city!

If the Woolhouse is made into a French style cafe/wine bar it could be a great location for it…

<!–News Fanatic, Soton says… //–>
News Fanatic, Soton says…

2:10pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Liverpool has a superb maritime museum and entrance is free. Southampton’s is a joke by comparison and the council has the nerve to charge an admission fee. It is hardly surprising that people do not bother to visit it. Let’s hope that the new maritime museum will have free admission. If Liverpool can do it, why not Southampton?

<!–TEBOURBA, Southampton says… //–>
TEBOURBA, Southampton says…

2:21pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The number of Maritime Museum’s visitors tumble, it is heavily subsidised, bailed out to the tune of £500,000 and closed!
This clearly shows there is minimal interest and demand for this type of facility, so why are we spending £15m on a “Sea City Museum!?”
It may attract a few of the yellow wellie brigade, during the Boat Show weeks but in no time at all this monstrosity of an appendage to the Civic Centre will become a white elephant requiring much larger subsidies and bail-outs.
What a crass waste of money which should have been spent on building council houses to reduce the numbers of people living in cramped, sub-standard and often damp accommodation, far worse than many of the Southampton dwellings that were home to the Titanic’s crew in 1912!!

<!–Squeezed_middle, Southampton says… //–>
Squeezed_middle, Southampton says…

2:22pm Mon 4 Apr 11

waggers5 wrote:
It is what it is – if you visit the Great Hall in Winchester, it isn’t used as a bar, restaurant, or even a museum – it is the Great Hall. So why not let this building be open to the public as… the Woolhouse? A public space, somewhere to sit, shelter from the rain, escape from the traffic noise and bustle of the city centre, admire the architecture – it would cost very little to maintain but would be a real asset to the city.

But any notion of a Tory council creating anything for the public to enjoy for free is very unrealistic…

As long as its a decent pub, wine-bar or cafe I think it would be nice. It’s listed and would still be owned by the Council so nothing bad can come of it. It would mean that people can enjoy the architecture and atmosphere alongside socialising. Mixing our history with our modern way of life in a tasteful way can only be a good use of a beautiful but relatively useless building. Sounds good to me!

[quote][p][bold]waggers5[/bold] wrote:
It is what it is – if you visit the Great Hall in Winchester, it isn’t used as a bar, restaurant, or even a museum – it is the Great Hall. So why not let this building be open to the public as… the Woolhouse? A public space, somewhere to sit, shelter from the rain, escape from the traffic noise and bustle of the city centre, admire the architecture – it would cost very little to maintain but would be a real asset to the city.

But any notion of a Tory council creating anything for the public to enjoy for free is very unrealistic…[/p][/quote]As long as its a decent pub, wine-bar or cafe I think it would be nice. It’s listed and would still be owned by the Council so nothing bad can come of it. It would mean that people can enjoy the architecture and atmosphere alongside socialising. Mixing our history with our modern way of life in a tasteful way can only be a good use of a beautiful but relatively useless building. Sounds good to me!

<!–bobbyboy, southampton says… //–>
bobbyboy, southampton says…

2:24pm Mon 4 Apr 11

it has become increasly apparent that the ruling body has no interest in the future of Southamptons Assets so will sell the Citys Silver to better them selves.If the museum is looked after by the City then its the City’s Residence that own the building not the Council so before you FLOG IT consult the Residence of the City like you are supposed to do or leave at the next election

<!–BrixtonSaint, Melbourne says… //–>
BrixtonSaint, Melbourne says…

2:38pm Mon 4 Apr 11

What will be will be and if the museum’s artifacts are to move on then one hopes the council instills stipulations into the lease which demands the Wool House retains its dignity.
I would be more than happy to see a sympathetic conversion to either a gallery or cafe/restaurant.
A corporate chain would be abhorrent though and though I am glad Kuti’s saved the Pier, I do feel the fit out is somewhat cheap and unsympathetic as has been the case with other refits of historic Southampton buildings eg the South Western Hotel.
I simply cannot understand, with London just an hour and a half away, and with all the excellent inspiration it offers to interior designers just down the road, Southampton bars and restaurants are so cheap and uninviting in appearance.
If only the portacabins of Red Funnel could be gotten rid of, a decent view would be opened up, across the traffic continental style and then prospective investors in the Wool House would have a real money earner on their hands.
There are enough bars catering for said ‘chavs’ operating up and down the high street. Surely there is enough money in the city to support something a bit more upmarket than what is on offer at the moment.

<!–Big Mac, southampton says… //–>
Big Mac, southampton says…

3:32pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Maybe Kuti will take the lease on, imagine the delights of getting curry stains on your shirt in such a wonderful mediaeval
dwelling. They could even put straw on the floor to add to the atmosphere and aid mopping up the droppings. Spit roast tandoori pig anyone?

<!–Just A Voice, Sholing says… //–>
Just A Voice, Sholing says…

3:35pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Anyone got a granny for sale?

These Tory council will sell it for you.

Anyone got a granny for sale?

These Tory council will sell it for you.

<!–Ben Durutti, Shirley says… //–>
Ben Durutti, Shirley says…

4:13pm Mon 4 Apr 11

[quote][p][bold]TEBOURBA[/bold] wrote:
The number of Maritime Museum’s visitors tumble, it is heavily subsidised, bailed out to the tune of £500,000 and closed! This clearly shows there is minimal interest and demand for this type of facility, so why are we spending £15m on a “Sea City Museum!?” It may attract a few of the yellow wellie brigade, during the Boat Show weeks but in no time at all this monstrosity of an appendage to the Civic Centre will become a white elephant requiring much larger subsidies and bail-outs. What a crass waste of money which should have been spent on building council houses to reduce the numbers of people living in cramped, sub-standard and often damp accommodation, far worse than many of the Southampton dwellings that were home to the Titanic’s crew in 1912!![/p][/quote]Tebourba commented on the Sea City Museum money being better spent on building council houses to offset poor housing in the rented sector, well the situation is going to get worse there as the Council’s Private Housing team who enforce standards in that area have been decimated won’t be able to respond adequately to poor conditions. Nothing to do with certain Tory councillors being best buddies with prominent landlords, oh no sir…

<!–WORZEL, Chandler’s Ford says… //–>
WORZEL, Chandler’s Ford says…

4:23pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Why not take another leaf out of Portsmouth’s book, the Square Tower in Old Portsmouth has been successfully transformed into a corporate hospitality/wedding venue utilising the hsitorical aspects of the building…and also on occassions you can pop in and get a coffee. How can Portsmouth get things right Southampton continually fail?

<!–upthe, saints says… //–>
upthe, saints says…

4:39pm Mon 4 Apr 11

There are loads of pubs boarded up, been demolished or up for sale and Southampton City Council think they can sell a Grade 1 listed building for the same use.

Who on earth do they think will want to set up a business in such a building that doesn’t even have a car park.

Someone’s plans are not news Mr. Editor, let’s see some journalism for once

There are loads of pubs boarded up, been demolished or up for sale and Southampton City Council think they can sell a Grade 1 listed building for the same use.

Who on earth do they think will want to set up a business in such a building that doesn’t even have a car park.

Someone’s plans are not news Mr. Editor, let’s see some journalism for once

<!–St Retford, Manchester says… //–>
St Retford, Manchester says…

4:54pm Mon 4 Apr 11

This would be a disaster for Southampton if it’s turned into a pub. Have you ever been several sheets to the wind in a really old building? The ceilings are, like, four feet off the ground so you end up banging your head to smithereens and looking like you’ve been in a fight. I’m not sure AE could cope.

<!–loosehead, southampton says… //–>
loosehead, southampton says…

5:31pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Look I don’t want this building turned into offices but I’ve read a load of bull on these posts. Go to Canterbury look around our history oh! you can’t unless you pay £8-00 go to Winchester cathedral,Buckingham palace,The tower of London or go to Portsmouth’s Historical docklands try to get on the Victory or any other ship without paying look we all want these things but when you go to the door see you have to pay how many of us walk away?You can walk along the city walls for free or go in the Red Lion pub by a coke sit in history ( Henry the eighth) why not have a go at the council who was in power when the dry dock was no longer a dry dock? either you prove you want it as a Historical building with no other use pay say eight quid a week or make sure the council protect the building in whatever use the future owner /leaseholder has in mind

<!–MrGMan, Shirley says… //–>
MrGMan, Shirley says…

5:55pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Some of you need to get a grip.

IT is losing money. Now the council could make it free. But that would cost more money.

I repeat, it is losing money.

Now they could make it free and pay for hoardes of children and pensioners to visit it every day for free and provide a free bus to it and free isle of wight ferry tickets for people there to come over for free.

But at what cost?

Liverpool are closing surestart centres and other vital services.

Id rather my surestart stayed open than see a musuem losing 500k a year lose more money.

That is 5 million in ten years.

Are you really, really sure when you think about it that you want a musuem to sit there costing that amount of money?

Some of you need to get a grip.

IT is losing money. Now the council could make it free. But that would cost more money.

I repeat, it is losing money.

But at what cost?

Liverpool are closing surestart centres and other vital services.

Id rather my surestart stayed open than see a musuem losing 500k a year lose more money.

That is 5 million in ten years.

Are you really, really sure when you think about it that you want a musuem to sit there costing that amount of money?

<!–Banister71, Banister Park says… //–>
Banister71, Banister Park says…

6:29pm Mon 4 Apr 11

The best thing about Southampton interms of history etc. is its waterside. As people have already pointed out on here it would be great to keep it as it is but the visitors arent there in enough numbers to pay for it to stay open so why should it? Its not like the artefacts are being sold off, just the four walls of an old building. I’m not sure turning it into a cafe/bar in isolation is the right thing to do though. If it was part of a grand scheme of improvements such as relocating the ferry terminal, demolishing the gruesome Holiday Inn building, reinstating the royal pier and doing something special with Mayflower park then I’d be all for it. I’m lucky enough to travel all around the country with my job and have seen some fantastic historical buildings converted into commercial enterprises very successfully and with taste. And not just individual premises either – you only have to look at the Barbican in Plymouth, or any number of other docks areas around the country that have been salvaged from ruin and turned into amazingly successful attractions. As for naming the building, how about “Bobs Monkhouse”???

<!–freemantlegirl2, Southampton says… //–>
freemantlegirl2, Southampton says…

6:38pm Mon 4 Apr 11

I’m surprised that English Heritage haven’t got anything to say about this?????

<!–Scrutinizer, Totton says… //–>
Scrutinizer, Totton says…

6:58pm Mon 4 Apr 11

[quote][p][bold]freemantlegirl2[/bold] wrote:
I’m surprised that English Heritage haven’t got anything to say about this?????[/p][/quote]It’s Grade 1 listed, so you can be sure that they will! And it’s because of that high status, that anyone involved in the building’s change of use will have to be very careful about any ideas of structural change and ugly modern signage they may have!

<!–Scrutinizer, Totton says… //–>
Scrutinizer, Totton says…

7:12pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Scrutinizer wrote:

freemantlegirl2 wrote: I’m surprised that English Heritage haven’t got anything to say about this?????

It’s Grade 1 listed, so you can be sure that they will! And it’s because of that high status, that anyone involved in the building’s change of use will have to be very careful about any ideas of structural change and ugly modern signage they may have!

Banister71, Banister Park says…
6:29pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Hmmm…! Or even worse The New Woolies!

[quote][p][bold]Scrutinizer[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]freemantlegirl2[/bold] wrote: I’m surprised that English Heritage haven’t got anything to say about this?????[/p][/quote]It’s Grade 1 listed, so you can be sure that they will! And it’s because of that high status, that anyone involved in the building’s change of use will have to be very careful about any ideas of structural change and ugly modern signage they may have![/p][/quote]Banister71, Banister Park says…
6:29pm Mon 4 Apr 11

Hmmm…! Or even worse The New Woolies!

List.ify.Me

everything is listed…

Plans to sell off Southampton’s 600-year-old Woolhouse revealed

Plans to sell lease on Southampton’s 600-year-old Woolhouse revealed

The Woolhouse Factfile