Wirral Council has issued an update on plans to create a New York City-inspired park in Birkenhead. The £15m Dock Branch Park, modelled on Manhattan's famous High Line, would follow the route of a disused Wirral railway line and was originally intended to be completed in 2024.
The proposed linear park would link Birkenhead's docks to a point near Green Lane Merseyrail station, cutting through the town centre along the way. The council's website describes the project as "one of the most visual and high-impact features of the Birkenhead 2040 Framework."
Council update on funding
Asked for an update on the long-awaited scheme, a Wirral Council spokesperson said: “The council is working with the funders to finalise grant funding conditions ahead of entering into a construction contract for the works, with the site remediation to prepare for this being carried out first.”
The park is split into northern and southern sections. The southern section is to be brought forward first as part of the Borough Yard/Hind Street scheme and will feature a shared walking and cycling route.
Planned features
According to the council, the southern section is proposed to include new seating areas, wayfinding points, landscaping, tree planting, play features, and a naturalistic woodland area with informal play opportunities. Access to the elevated route will be improved through level and sloped connections at key locations.
Funding for the project will come from a £1.6bn pot of funding given to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
