Newsham Park has been enjoyed by Liverpudlians since Victorian times. Courtesy Friends of Newsham Park
A Victorian park in Liverpool is to get a new lease of life with the help of English Heritage and local residents.
The Grade II listed Newsham Park will celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2008, and campaigners are leading a drive to return it to prime condition.
English Heritage is paying for the roses, and a planting day has been arranged from 11am on April 17 2005, where local residents are being encouraged to take part.
Residents are concerned that replanting has not replaced damaged plants and trees - the new project will restore the rose beds. Courtesy Friends of Newsham Park.
“There has recently been a surge for and interest in Newsham Park from local people,” explained John Stonard, manager of English Heritage’s Historic Environment of Liverpool Project. “We are keen to tap into that feeling and encourage residents of all ages to play an active part in its future.”
In 1865 Liverpool Corporation commissioned the renowned landscape architect Edward Kemp to design a much-needed public park for the city. Newsham Park, with its bandstand, lakes and aviary, was completed in 1868. Rose bushes flourished there in the late 1800s but have long since been neglected.
With the city gearing up to be the Capital of Culture in 2008, it is hoped that the park will be restored to its former glory. Courtesy Friends of Newsham Park.
Local group the Friends of Newsham Park are helping to coordinate the planting.
“Our group is working hard to give an important Victorian park a new lease of life for the 21st century,” said Peter Brook, chairman of the Friends.
“We’re not long away from 2008 and the Capital of Culture celebrations when the eyes of the world are on us – we’re determined that Newsham Park will be revealed as one of the city’s true gems.”
