Birkenhead Park\u2019s bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status was recently boosted by the award of \u00a3177,700 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Wirral Council has earmarked a further \u00a350,000 to support this work, bringing the total project value to \u00a3227,700.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The funding will be spent on work to produce a long-term development plan for the park that will be put together following comprehensive engagement with and input from sector specialists, stakeholders and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 visitors and the local community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Designed by Joseph Paxton and officially opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was a pioneering urban municipal park. It was the first park in Britain to be purpose-built for the entire population and became known as the \u2018People\u2019s Garden\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Created during the Industrial Revolution, it offered a healthier, greener environment for people living in rapidly growing towns, regardless of their social or economic background.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Its innovative design has had a lasting global impact, famously influencing the creation of New York\u2019s Central Park, as well as Sefton Park in Liverpool.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To view all the UNESCO UK Industrial Heritage Trail sites on an interactive map, click here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Discover more\u00a0<\/p>\n Residents and visitors can learn more about the park\u2019s rich history, hidden stories and heritage of the park by joining a guided walk led by ranger Hannah Shakeshaft. They take place on:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Saturday 27 June, 10am\u201312pm\u00a0Sunday 26 July, 10am\u201312pm\u00a0Sunday 19 September, 1pm\u20133pm \u00a0<\/p>\n