SPECTACULAR images of plans to build “fairytale style” tree houses in the forest around Rainhill Hall have been unveiled.

Liverpool-based heritage developer, Signature Living, is behind proposals to enhance the grounds of the venue, also known as Loyola Hall, off Warrington Road.

The company, which aims to give the hall a new lease of life as a prestigious wedding and events venue, plans to bring the woodland alive with treehouses and summer wedding facilities. 

The proposals for the woodland, which will be submitted to St Helens Council, will see the tree houses fitted with king size beds, hotub baths, indoor and outdoor lounge area and even a private bar.

The images also reveal night-time LED lighting, which will be entrenched within existing trees surrounding the Grade II listed building.

In June 2018, Signature Living was granted planning permission to transform Rainhill Hall into a luxury wedding and hotel venue, meaning plans to restore the building to its former glory moved a step closer.

It will open next summer. 

The building has a history stretching back to 1824 when it was built by landowner Bartholomew Bretherton.

However, its long-term future was put in doubt four years ago after its closure, with residents setting up a campaign group to ensure the hall was retained and put to some sort of public use.

The building has since been used in partnership with Camelot for residential use by people who agreed to act as guardians of the property.

First floor plans comprise of 19 hotel rooms, including the bridal suite for wedding events. 

The second floor will have four hotel rooms, with two staircases for access from below.

There will also be 14 rooms on the lower ground floor and a function room and area designated to a spa and gymnasium.

The upper ground floor will contain 10 rooms with more space for a function room area and restaurant and dining facilities, kitchen, bar and a reception area.

Signature Living says it will become Merseyside’s most talked-about wedding venue and events space. 

Signature Living Chairman, Lawrence Kenwright, said: “Hosting woodland weddings in the stunning grounds of Rainhill Hall will be a first for Merseyside.

“Our proposals are aimed at putting this historic site firmly back on the map, where it belongs.

“We don’t just want to help create special memories for visitors, but we want to transform Rainhill into a destination for people to hold events that are truly unforgettable.

“The tree houses are reminiscent of something you’d find in a fairytale. 

“I also want to help play my part in re-imagining and re-positioning the building so we can sustain its future, and I think our plans will deliver that.”