Stanley Park Regeneration Complete

05 August 2009

The £14 million regeneration of Liverpool's Stanley Park is now complete, and the park was officially re-opened at a recent event featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a range of activities such as donkey rides, soccer, falconry, Ju Jitsu, face painting, fishing skills and an employment and training advice area. 

2020 Liverpool project managed the restoration of the Grade II listed park on behalf of Liverpool City Council.  Stanley Park is one of the oldest parks in Liverpool, officially opening in 1870, and designed by acclaimed landscape designer Edward Kemp.  The regeneration project included improvements to the lake system, painstaking restoration of the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, restoration of sandstone bridges and pavilions, and planting around 72,000 new trees and shrubs. 

"Stanley Park really is the jewel in North Liverpool's crown and its transformation is spectacular," said Councillor Berni Turner, the council's executive member for the environment, at the opening ceremony.  "This is one of the key events of Liverpool's year of the Environment, and reinforces our commitment to encouraging people to make the most of the green havens on their doorsteps. 

"The restoration of this park has really been a critical and symbolic piece in the jigsaw to regenerate the north of the city, and it can only improve the quality of life for residents who live there."

The official opening included a sneak preview of the conservatory, which officially re-opens in August, providing a café and a venue for events such as weddings.

"After two years of hard work, when you stand back and look at what has been achieved, it's amazing, and it makes all of those involved in the design and delivery of the project very proud," said 2020 Liverpool's Ian Palgrave-Neath, who managed the project.