Birkenhead Park’s World Heritage bid discussed in New York

Birkenhead Park’s World Heritage bid and its inspirational role in the creation of Central Park were the subject of talks between Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and senior officials in New York.

Meeting at Central Park Boat House, the Mayor discussed how long-standing cultural links could help drive tourism from the USA to the city region.

Liverpool City Region and New York have a deep-rooted shared heritage around maritime and emigration as well as a shared musical past including The Beatles – John Lennon lived there with wife Yoko Ono and son Sean from 1971 until his death in 1980.

There is even a village in New York State called Liverpool.

However, it is the link between Birkenhead Park and Central Park – and the story of how a small part of Wirral inspired one of the world’s most famous open spaces – which is amongst the oldest, and which may now provide the catalyst for boosting economic prosperity across the city region as both parks seek World Heritage Status.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said, “Birkenhead Park is a shining example of the Liverpool City Region’s legacy as a trailblazer, a place where bold ideas have inspired global change.

“It’s remarkable to think that this park, nestled in the heart of Wirral, became the blueprint for Central Park, one of the world’s most famous green spaces. Securing UNESCO World Heritage Status would not only acknowledge Birkenhead Park’s unique role in shaping urban landscapes, but it would also reaffirm our region’s ability to lead, innovate, and inspire on a global scale.

“Although it’s a cultural jewel for us in the Liverpool City Region, it’s also a living, breathing connection to a park on the other side of the world which has inspired films, music and art for countless creators over the years. By strengthening our ties with New York, we can use this shared history to drive cultural exchange, tourism, and economic growth for the future.

“As Birkenhead Park fast-approaches its 180th birthday, it would be the ultimate recognition of its unique history as the world’s first public park, and I’m confident it would provide a boost to the wider area.”

Birkenhead Park opened in 1847 and was the first park to be created by a municipal authority. It was planned as a public health response to a rise in illness and disease as the industrial revolution gathered pace.

Just three years later a young farmer, Frederick Law Olmsted, visited the region while travelling from his home in Connecticut, USA and stumbled upon the 125-acre green space. He was much taken with its English landscape design, carefully constructed follies and the fact it was accessible to everyone regardless of social class, age, or colour.

In 1858, and now a landscape architect, he used what he had seen on his visit to Birkenhead Park as inspiration to create Central Park.

Birkenhead Park General Manager (World Heritage), Rob Belcher said, “It is astonishing that two parks which are thousands of miles apart share such a connection – I think people in this region are very proud of that fact.”

Birkenhead Park is now a conservation area and a Grade 1 listed landscape. It welcomes up to two million visitors each year.

In 2023 it was placed on the UK Government’s short list of applications for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It was chosen as the first site from the list to be put forward for the title, a decision which is due in 2027.

Birkenhead News started a petition to twin the two parks. This petition was presented to Wirral Council on 14 March 2023. Upon presentation, Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the committee responded by saying, “Wirral Council does fully support this request. The aspiration to twin Birkenhead Park with Central Park, I think we all endorse that very much.

“Staff from Birkenhead Park already have a good working relationship with staff in Central Park, sharing research and good practice. Wirral Council will progress with discussions with Central Park to seek to twin with them, if they’re willing to do so.”

Rob Belcher, who retains informal contact with officials at Central Park Conservancy which cares for the 843-acre area, said, “I would love to see the setting up of some sort of twinning operation – a statement of cooperation.”

“Of course, there are different dynamics with each park but I am sure we can learn from each other. And I know the communities we both serve value us.

“Achieving World Heritage Status would put Birkenhead Park on the world stage and we have to maximise that opportunity.”

Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said, “It’s great to see Mayor Rotheram promoting Birkenhead Park and our bid to have it recognised as a World Heritage Site as he forges cultural links between the Liverpool City Region and New York City.

“In Wirral, we have worked hard to make the most of Birkenhead Park’s link with Central Park in New York which is also seeking acknowledgement of its worldwide importance from UNESCO. I am sure our mutual support will help in both parks achieving that recognition.

“Not too long ago we learned that Birkenhead Park was included on the UK’s Tentative List to become a World Heritage Site, a major stage in achieving that UNESCO recognition, and now we look forward to taking that next step in securing the funding to press on with making sure Birkenhead Park receives the recognition I think we can all agree here that it deserves.”

Image: Birkenhead News

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