Give your views on plans to preserve one of Wirral’s most historic sites
Do you know where the Balaclava Field is in Wirral? Or Cannon Hill Meadows? Maybe the Night Pasture or the Boothby Ground?
These are just a few of the key sites in one of the Borough’s most historic locations: Birkenhead Park.
Although Birkenhead Park was one of the first municipal parks in the world, opening in 1847 and contributing to the development of the wider Victorian Parks movement, during parts of the 20th century the park and surroundings were not always appreciated for their international significance.
The proposed new Birkenhead Park Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan is intended to identify those elements of the conservation area that contribute to its national and international importance, reflect the original design principles, and to highlight the opportunities for its special character to be reinforced
A conservation area is a place of special architecture and historic interest - it is nationally recognised and local authorities have a duty to review them from time to time to ensure these places are being properly protected.
The current conservation appraisal was adopted in 2007 and now the council aims to update it and look to the future management of the park, working to enhance and preserve what makes the area special.
The new conservation document has been produced following initial informal public consultation and an appraisal process. The management plan at the end of the document aims to support the park’s long-term management, recommending specific priorities that can support and enhance the area as it looks to the future; it is not proposed to alter the boundary of the current conservation area.
Management plans of conservation areas directly affect those who live in the area, and as part of the process to update the report, we are asking for feedback from residents and interested stakeholders and groups. All the feedback provided will be reviewed and used to update the plan.
The new Appraisal and Management Plan of Birkenhead Park Conservation Area is available on the council’s HaveYourSay consultation website where you can also provide your thoughts on the new draft appraisal and management plan of Birkenhead Park Conservation Area via the survey provided.
This consultation is open for contributions until 11 August 2025.
If you wish to meet in person Council officers will be available on 4 July, from 5pm-7pm at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre.
If you prefer to have a private meeting with one of our officers, please contact us by email, heritage@wirral.gov.uk
To access the online consultation page go to: www.haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/birkenhead-park-conservation-area
