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Birkenhead Park is set to receive a £2 million makeover over the next two years as Wirral Council looks to boost the borough's profile as a visitor destination, according to the Wirral Globe.
The funding was approved in a meeting of the council's Economy, Regeneration, and Housing Committee at Wallasey Town Hall. The money comes from £4.17 million of unallocated grant funding available for regeneration projects, which must be spent by the end of March 2028.
The Grade I listed park, inspiring Manhattan's Central Park, is described in the council report as Birkenhead's "destination anchor" during the town's ongoing regeneration. Committee member Councillor Andrew Hodson called it "the jewel in the crown for Birkenhead." Central Park's designer even once said there would be no Central Park without Birkenhead Park, which is technically true.
So, what will the investment do? Well, it will restore key structures, make accessibility improvements, upgrade visitor facilities, and enhance wider infrastructure. The council aims to improve the visitor experience, lengthen visit times to the park, increase local economic activity and spending, and support health and wellbeing outcomes.
Councillor Helen Raymond backed the plans, saying the council should "make a big thing" of the park. She added: "It's a big attraction on Wirral and can draw a lot of people in from outside the region, both UK-wide and worldwide, with the cruise ships across the road."
The funding announcement comes shortly after Birkenhead Park was named one of 22 British destinations on UNESCO's UK Industrial Heritage Trail. Councillor Max Booth, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said the recognition "strengthens Birkenhead Park's position as a leading heritage destination."
The council is continuing its bid for World Heritage status for the park, which even Central Park doesn't have! Councillor Booth added: "We're committed to working with residents, visitors and partners to ensure Birkenhead Park continues to thrive as a place of history, wellbeing and inspiration."
