Nikki Butterworth, Director of Neighbourhood services, introduced this report on the project to obtain World Heritage Site recognition from UNESCO for Birkenhead Park. She spoke of the history of the Park which was reputed to be one of the first publicly funded parks and was pivotal in influencing the creation of urban parks worldwide.

The recognition could bring benefits including increased investment, local regenerations, employment opportunities, increase in property values and growth in visitor economy. The process was outlined where the first stage was submission of the draft document to the Government’s list of potential sites.

At the same time, parks restoration and enhancement would continue with an application for a Heritage Support Grant.

The Committee discussed the issue and were supportive of it and of the work done by the Friends groups who volunteered to maintain the park.

Resolved: That: 

(1)   That the progress made regarding the Birkenhead Park heritage project be noted.

(2)   the proposals to progress as set out in this report be supported: (i) the aspiration for Birkenhead Park’s ultimate inscription as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; and (ii) the further significant regeneration of the Park, including through the submission of a grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

(3)  the Policy and Resources Committee be asked to consider submitting a Capital bid in future.  This will cover the ongoing running costs associated with the NLHF Round 1 grant application and ensure that funding is secured until 2023/24.