A new plan to secure the long-term future of Croxteth Hall and Country Park has been announced.

Liverpool City Council is seeking a partner to manage the 500-acre estate in a move which it hopes will see the park and hall remain open to the public and save the local authority £1 million a year.

A report to be discussed at a meeting of the council’s cabinet next Friday (17 February), is recommending the plan be approved.

The proposal also aims to secure new investment, increase activities and add to the 600,000 visitors a year to the North Liverpool park.

After consulting with local stakeholders, the council says it has received enough interest to provide confidence that a self-financing operation can “protect the estate for future generations to enjoy”.

The proposal to cabinet will not affect a £3.5m plan by Myerscough College to create a new animal and equine centre on the site of the former grounds maintenance depot.

The estate, which includes the Grade II*-listed hall, Croxteth Home Farm, a Victorian Walled Garden and the park itself, has been in public ownership since 1972.

If approved by the cabinet, the city council will launch a procurement exercise later this year.

Bids will be assessed by a panel including local stakeholders: the Friends of Croxteth Park, Croxteth Hall Volunteers and the West Derby Society alongside council officers and elected members.

Speaking about the proposal, Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, says: “It’s really important we get this right.

“Our experience of working with Myerscough and the Neighbourhood Services Company has taught us that working with partners can bring in more visitors and improved facilities.

“You only have to go to the Home Farm to see this. The engagement exercise helped us develop a shared vision of what kind of uses are acceptable and what aren’t. I look forward to working with the stakeholders in Croxteth Park to secure its long term future.”

Stephen Guy, West Derby Society chairman, who will sit on the selection panel, adds: “We hope this initiative can secure the future of Croxteth Hall.

“Many parts of this historic building, dating from Tudor to Edwardian times, are in urgent need of refurbishment.

“This is Liverpool’s own stately home and has enormous significance in its cultural history.”

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