Wirral's independent local news website
Mick Whitley, MP for Birkenhead, had said that he is “delighted” that Birkenhead Park has made it to the Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Status.
The Tentative List is published by the government rarely; approximately every decade. The Tentative List identifies sites deemed to have strong potential for UNESCO World Heritage status. The government will collaborate with local authorities and devolved administrations to refine these sites’ bids.
Mr Whitley said, “I am delighted that Birkenhead Park is in the running for UNESCO World Heritage Status. I have been supporting the efforts of the Friends of Birkenhead Park and the Council to get the Park on the list and have previously written to the Minister at the DCMS canvassing government support as well.
“Birkenhead Park fully deserves World Heritage Status. It was a pioneering public park, the first purpose-built and publicly funded park created by a local municipal authority for all its citizens.”
Since opening more than 175 years ago, Birkenhead Park has played a crucial role in promoting well-being among the residents of Wirral and beyond. It has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the relationship between good public health and the quality of the environment.
Birkenhead Park is a global ‘beacon’ amongst urban parks, an influence for the design of New York’s Central Park and is well worthy of its place on to the UK’s World Heritage Tentative List.
Mr Whitley concluded by saying, “I will do all I can to support it securing the prize of World Heritage Status and congratulate the Friends of Birkenhead Park and the Council for their tremendous efforts in getting this far. While it is early days at the moment the eventual success of this bid would be a great achievement for our town and its people – and a well-deserved one too.”
A petition was recently presented to Wirral Council by birkenhead.news to twin Birkenhead Park with Central Park in New York.
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the committee responded to the presentation of the petition 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.”
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