A MASTERPLAN has been unveiled for a £4m project to transform Birkenhead Park.

Wirral Council and the park's friends group have drawn up a wishlist of improvements which include plans to: 

  • Restore the boathouse for community or commercial events.
  • Re-open the bandstand
  • Create a red squirrel reserve Commission a statue commemorating Everest climbers Andrew "Sandy" Irvine and George Mallory who lived in the town.
  • The restoration of the Warrior’s Rest to acknowledge the iconic park’s historic military links, improvements to the visitor centre, installation of CCTV cameras and a dedicated security tea. Proposals to modernise the children’s play area and upgrade sports pitches are are also included.

The council hope to secure funds from the Heritage Lottery to pay for improvements.

The views of Wirral people are being sought to help formulate the blueprint, which is described as "an aspirational document".

In a statement on its website, the council said: "The Birkenhead Park team has developed an ambitious plan which aims to enhance and secure the park for the future.

"We need to understand which projects will best meet the needs our local communities and visitors from further afield.

"For that reason we are looking for views on the projects that are proposed in the draft 'Birkenhead Master Plan'."

Birkenhead Park opened to the public on April 5, 1847 and its design has been the inspiration many parks around the world including Central Park in New York.

The last major restoration project at the park began in 2002 and saw repairs to the Swiss Bridge, boat house and Grand Entrance.

Public consultation ends on Sunday, March 5.