Ideas sought to revive old buildings in parks
BUILDINGS at the Botanic Gardens and Hesketh Park in Southport could be transformed under plans to breathe new life into buildings in Sefton’s parks and green spaces.
Green Sefton, Sefton Council’s coast and countryside service, is inviting local businesses and organisations to come to them with ideas.
People are asked to share expressions of interest on how they think land and buildings can be used in ways that will benefit the community and visitors.
Some suggested ideas include ice cream kiosks, small cafes, bakeries, small businesses, office space and community use areas. But expressions of interest are not limited to these suggestions.
This follows a recent call for ideas on how the council can refresh the way it uses some of its coast and green space.
Green Sefton is working closely with community and “friends of” groups which have already shown what can be achieved if communities come together to make use of buildings.
Groups can now expand on any ideas they may have as well as introduce opportunities for further partnership work.
A number of buildings have been put forward as potential sites for new ideas to help encourage new investment and opportunities, while opening up a wider choice of potential retail units around the borough.
These sites include buildings at the Botanic Gardens and Hesketh Park in Southport and Derby Park in Bootle and a number of other sites, ranging from pavilions to old toilet blocks.
Green Sefton says it is keen to hear about any creative ideas people may have to transform the buildings.
Ideas can be submitted online by visiting www. the-chest.org.uk until Friday, December 20.
Ideally, ideas will be financially viable and remain accessible for all.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to transform disused buildings, some of which have fallen in to states of disrepair, and create new and exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors.
“I am excited to see what ideas are put forward and hope that this gives budding business owners and community groups across Sefton the chance to put their plans into action.”