The volunteers who make the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport say they are “delighted” to hear that Sefton Council is pursuing heritage funding to improve the famous park.
The Botanic Gardens Community Association is eager for funding “to improve the lake and other infrastructure for the health and safety of people and wildlife”.
The volunteers believe that, if the changes are made, they can “ transform our Victorian treasure into a world class attraction”.
Last year, Botanic Gardens Community Association Chairman David Cobham submitted a funding bid to the Southport Town Deal board for improvements to the park.
His proposals called for the return of ‘crystal clear waters’ to the lake, restoration of the ornamental bridges and attracting interest to the old Museum building, which was closed in 2011.
The scheme unfortunately was not included in the final Southport Town Deal submission. Sefton Council however has now said that it intends to pursue other forms of funding to improve the landmark attraction, which was designed in 1876 and is included on Historic England’s ‘Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.’
David Cobham said: “We are absolutely delighted with this news.
“Sefton Council has taken on board our plea for funding which we submitted to the Southport Town Deal board.”
The Botanic Gardens Community Association of volunteers was formed in 2012 to help the gardens to continue providing beautiful floral displays and other attractions which were in the process of being reduced, ended or closed due to severe Sefton Council funding cuts.
David Cobham said: “I know the council is appreciative of our work to keep things going during the austerity cuts.
“They are looking at other funding streams to complement our joint efforts over the past 10 years to bring income in from our generous local sponsors which has kept many of the much loved Botanic Gardens attractions going and improving.
“The floral aspects, the Aviary and the unique Fernery and even the public toilets have been saved and helped to win the top RHS In Bloom and Green Flag awards year on year.
“If successful, the necessary funding to improve the lake and other infrastructure for the health and safety of the people and wildlife will transform our Victorian treasure into a world class attraction.
“We thank them.”
Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service says that it is now looking at ways to develop and improve the Botanic Gardens, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Repair works have recently taken place at the aviary and plans are being drawn up for how other parts of the much-loved local park could be revamped in the future.
The Green Sefton Service is seeking out funding streams through organisations that support the heritage sector.
If successful, the funding could support the restoration of many of the park’s Victorian buildings and help the council to develop new attractions that would bring more visitors to the park, stimulating the local economy and creating new jobs
While the proposals are at the very early stages of development, the pandemic has highlighted the need for people to be able to access green spaces and the health benefits associated with spending more time in places like Southport’s Botanic Gardens.
A public consultation is expected to be launched later this year to bring together the views of residents, regular park users, visitors and the dedicated volunteer groups who support many projects at the park to keep the space clean, green and beautiful for all.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know how important this park is to the people of Southport and the visitors that come here, and the past 12 months have highlighted just how much people enjoy spending time outdoors.
“I am delighted to see our Green Sefton officers working with community groups to look at ways of finding investment for the park that will benefit everyone who enjoys spending time here. A vibrant Botanic Gardens will be a valuable asset to the local community as well as providing a positive impact to the local economy including potential job opportunities.”Anyone interested in helping to shape the developing project, or would like to volunteer in the Botanic Gardens, can contact the Botanic Gardens Community Association.
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