£2m Birkenhead Park boost strengthens UNESCO World Heritage ambition
A £2 million investment in Birkenhead Park has been approved by Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing (ERH) Committee, marking a significant step forward in the borough’s ambition to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The funding will support a major programme of improvements to the Grade I listed park, including restoration of historic features, enhanced visitor facilities, improved accessibility and wider infrastructure upgrades, helping unlock the park’s full potential as a destination of national and international importance.
The decision also reinforces Birkenhead Park’s central role within the Birkenhead 2040 regeneration programme, positioning it as a key anchor for future growth, visitor attraction and local economic activity.
This latest investment builds on growing momentum behind the park’s UNESCO bid, which has already been supported by National Lottery funding to develop a long-term vision and masterplan — a vital step in demonstrating the park’s Outstanding Universal Value, a World Heritage objective, [MH1.1]and strengthening the case for global recognition.
Together, these developments represent a strong vote of confidence in both the park itself and Wirral’s ambition to secure UNESCO World Heritage status, placing Birkenhead Park firmly on the international stage.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
This is a proud moment for Birkenhead Park, for our borough and for everyone who cares about this remarkable place.
Birkenhead Park is far more than a beautiful green space. It is part of our history, our identity and our heritage, inspiring the design of public parks across the world. We have a responsibility to protect that legacy while ensuring it remains a place that local people and visitors can enjoy for generations to come.
This funding is an important step on our journey towards UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It will help preserve the park’s unique historic character, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Birkenhead’s growing reputation as a place to visit, invest and be proud of.
Most importantly, it is a vote of confidence in Birkenhead and in our ambition for the future. We are proud of our past, excited about what lies ahead, and determined to give Birkenhead Park the international recognition it truly deserves.
The £2 million allocation will form part of the council’s Local Regeneration Fund programme. As the UNESCO bid continues to progress, the investment will play a key role in safeguarding the park’s future, strengthening its international profile, and delivering lasting economic, cultural and wellbeing benefits for Wirral.
