Birkenhead Park and New York's Central Park are continuing to collaborate as both pursue UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The two greenspaces, more than 3,000 miles apart, share a historical link, with the Wirral park recognised as the world's first publicly-funded park and an inspiration for its Manhattan counterpart.
Shared history and ongoing collaboration
More than 150 years after Central Park opened, the two locations are still working together. At a meeting of Wirral Council's tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee on Wednesday, Wirral Heritage Champion Cllr Jerry Williams said a representative from the Wirral will travel to New York. He told the committee the two locations continue to go "into detail over various issues we have in common".
Cllr Williams described an "extremely productive" Zoom call with the Central Park Conservancy and said further meetings will take place alongside the upcoming visit.
Potential impact for the Wirral
Securing World Heritage Site status would be hugely significant for the Wirral as the borough looks to improve its tourism offer. Alongside Birkenhead's quest to become the UK's first Town of Culture and the ongoing search for the site of the Battle of Brunanburh, the status would likely encourage more of the tens of millions of annual visitors to Liverpool to cross the Mersey.
There are currently 35 World Heritage Sites in the UK, including Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace and the Lake District.
Liverpool's removal from the list
Liverpool was stripped of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2021. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee voted to remove the city over concerns about the development of the north docks and Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Responding to the decision at the time, the then Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said: "I find it incomprehensible that UNESCO would rather Bramley Moore Dock remain a derelict wasteland, rather than making a positive contribution to the city’s future and that of its residents."
