United Utilities (UU) is putting its £30m water project in Wavertree Park on hold while it carries out additional ground investigations and engineering studies to inform the next phase of its sewer improvement work. The company is reinstating the grass and removing its hoardings at the Mystery site during this period.
The 104-acre park was given to Liverpool Corporation in 1895 by an anonymous city well-wisher, which is why it is affectionately known as The Mystery. It has become a popular spot for runners, dog walkers and families over the years.
Further assessments needed before construction resumes
UU has identified the need for further assessments across the catchment before construction activities can begin on the site. Hoardings will be removed as soon as the ground has been restored and the grass has taken.
Work to install the tank - which will hold 5.5 million litres of rainwater, the equivalent of more than two Olympic-sized swimming pools - got underway in March. Rather than retaining a construction compound when active work is not taking place, United Utilities said it is important to return this valued space for the community to enjoy during this period.
Community reaction to the pause
When the scheme was announced last year, the water company said the project will include measures to help reduce flooding in the area. This was met with anger and frustration by those living across from the 104-acre site who claim the project has been “dropped on” their community.
Steve Kenyon, United Utilities county business lead for Merseyside, said: “We appreciate that any construction activity within public spaces can be disruptive and we understand the importance of Wavertree Park to the local community. By temporarily reinstating the park whilst we carry out additional investigations, we are ensuring that this much-loved space isn’t unnecessarily occupied when active construction work is not taking place.
“We will continue to keep stakeholders and the local community updated as the investigation work progresses, and will provide further information on the next steps of this important project once these assessments have been completed.”
No date confirmed for work to resume
The tank is proposed to sit 60ft deep into the ground of the park across 88ft in width. Work had been expected to complete in 2028 and will help direct water away from key areas that are often hotspots for flooding, including around Queens Drive. In 2023, Elaine and Philip Marco died when their car became submerged in flood water under the bridge in Mossley Hill.
Paula Barker, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said she had been in contact with United Utilities regarding progress at the Mystery. She said: “Following contact by several residents I have made appropriate representations to UU.
“They have advised me there's ground investigation & further engineering studies taking place as part of ongoing evaluation. During this time the area will be returfed and as soon as it takes hoardings will come down to enable people to enjoy that part of the park again.
“I am expecting a full briefing next week & will share with residents once received.”
Cllr Richard Kemp said he was pleased work would eventually continue but was concerned by the communication of changes. He said: “I am delighted that this work will go ahead to safeguard road users on Queens Drive and the hundreds of householders who regularly suffer damp in their foundations, but it does seem to me to be a shambles that a decision was taken a month ago on the highly contentious project and that decision was not communicated to local councillors and residents.
“It was only a chance call into the site by one of my residents that alerted me to the situation and forced United Utilities into a clear statement.”
No date for the work to recommence has been confirmed.
