New Buildings for the Park
The Cafe in the Park is to be substantially renovated and the old Boat House kiosk will be placed with a new building. The Cafe will be improved to give better access and will have a community room and a Ranger's office. The external seating area will be renovated to create a pleasant area with improved access to sit outside - when the weather allows! The Kiosk at the south end of the lake will have a smaller catering area, providing a servery area and public toilets.
Sefton Park Restoration - Frequently Asked Questions
SEFTON PARK RESTORATION & IMPROVEMENT WORKS
Prepared by project manager Tom Duckworth
How much will the work cost and who will be paying?
The total value of the project will be over £6 million with 75% covered by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the remainder paid for by Liverpool City Council.
When will the work be done?
Work beagan in January 2008 and the Heritage Lottery Fund grant is available until the end of 2010. Every effort is being made to have most of the improvements complete for summer 2010.
Will the park remain open to the public?
Yes. The park will remain open to the public but certain paths and specific working areas will be unavailable at certain times for health and safety reasons. Advance notice, clear signage and boundary protection will be provided to inform park users of these necessary restrictions.
Will there be any events in the park whilst the improvements are being made?
Yes. Every effort has been made to allow events to continue on a regular basis. Because the temporary site compound is to be located on the large field north of the Palm House, you will find some events accommodated elsewhere in the park. Information about Sefton Park events. Information about events in all Liverpool Parks.
Will the Palm House be staying open?
The Palm House and associated programme of events will not be disrupted by the improvement works.
Will the anglers be able to fish during the contract?
No. Angling cannot be accommodated during the works because the water level needs to be lowered so that the banks can be repaired.
What is happening to the café?
The plan is to repair and enlarge the Aviary Café to create a more attractive central feature and make space for a community meeting room and ranger base.
What toilet facilities will be available in the park?
When the improvements are complete, public toilets will be available at the Aviary Café and at the refreshment kiosk to be built on the Boathouse site. These facilities will be available whenever the buildings are staffed.
Why are trees being cut down?
In order to repair the banks of the watercourses and enlarge the café, etc., it is essential that some vegetation is removed. However, the contract includes extensive new planting and overall the project aims to deliver a more sustainable and diverse habitat.
Will the park wildlife be disturbed by the proposed works?
In order to desilt the watercourses and repair the banks, etc., it is inevitable that some wildlife will be disturbed. However, all operations will be carefully timed and organised to minimise their impact and overall the project aims to deliver a more sustainable and diverse habitat.
What are the plans for the aviary?
The site of the former aviary is to be developed into an attractive garden and sitting area.
Are the paths being repaired?
The amount of funding available is not sufficient to pay for all the paths to be resurfaced. The Council and Heritage Lottery Fund have therefore agreed that the paving improvements should be concentrated on certain entrances plus those paths alongside the watercourses.
Some parts of the park are very wet. Is this problem being addressed?
A thorough investigation of the park drainage system has been undertaken and extensive improvements will be undertaken in the next 12 months. Particular attention will be given to preventing the flooding of footpaths in the future.
Is anything happening to the Boathouse site?
Yes. A refreshment kiosk is going to be built on the stone foundations.
Will boating be coming back to the main lake?
Whilst Liverpool City Council will not be providing any boats, the restoration works will create a potential business opportunity for an independent entrepreneur.
Is Peter Pan being moved again?
No. The Peter Pan statue is to remain within the Palm House enclosure.
Are we getting a new Jolly Roger ship?
There is no plan to provide a model ship within the park; however the pirate theme has been adopted in the design of the new playground.
Will CCTV cameras be installed in the park?
Yes. One camera is to be located at the end of the main lake near the proposed refreshment kiosk and two more will be located close to the Aviary Café.
Is any additional lighting to be provided?
Yes. Lighting has been provided alongside the carriage drive which links the Aviary Café with the park gateway opposite Livingston Drive North.