Will of the people is heard to shape park’s future
PEOPLE have revealed the changes they want to see to improve historic Hesketh Park in Southport in a “once in a generation” opportunity.
The transformation is being made possible thanks to a “substantial sum of money” which has been donated in the will of a local resident.
Improvements to heritage features including the conservatory, waterfall, floral clock, fountain and observatory all scored highly in a recent consultation by Sefton Council.
Other highly rated items included improvements to the sensory garden and improved public toilets and disabled access.
Residents also suggested more live events in the park including the idea of an outdoor theatre, improved planting across the park and wildflower meadows.
The Victorian 12-hectare park was designed by Edward Kemp, and was first opened in 1868.
The land was donated by the Rev Charles Hesketh and has many Victorian features and landscape designs.
It boasts gardens, ornate fountains, nature trails, wildlife, a large lake, and a children’s play area, although respondents to the survey revealed how they think there is room for improvement in many areas.
The consultation took place between August 5 2021 and September 24 2021 and had 451 responses.
In his report to councillors, Green Sefton development officer Andy Cutts said: “When asked to rate existing features in the park for improvement the highest rated items included the park’s heritage features, for example the conservatory, waterfall, floral clock, fountain and observatory.
“Other highly rated items included improvements to the sensory garden and improved public toilets and disabled access.
“There was also demand for an improved food and drink offering in the park.”
People were asked to rate a range of new ideas and the following items came out highly rated:
Improvements to conservatory for events and weddings – 53% people rated highly.
Sensory garden improvements – over 50% of people rated highly.
Heritage improvements including the floral clock, waterfall and fountain – over 54% rated highly.
Additional site staff and gardeners to help maintain the park – over 70% rated highly.
Support new income ideas to be ring fenced for future improvements in the park – 47% rated as high priority.
Additional new ideas included more live events in the park including the idea of an outdoor theatre, improved planting across the park and wildflower meadows and improved entrance and information signs for the park.
Over 70% of people said they would attend events in the park and people showed a strong interest in getting involved in volunteering with over 12% saying they would volunteer in the future.
The consultation results will guide Green Sefton and “the executors of the local family who wish to donate funding to make a once in a generation improvement to the park”.
This will enable investment at Hesketh Park that would not normally be possible and to support new income opportunities that will support long term financial security to support maintenance in the park.