Southport park restoration on track
Sefton Council is ready to embark on the £4.5m restoration of Kings Gardens next to Southport's Marine Park and Promenade after a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.
The tender process for a contractor is now underway and the 12-month project is expected to be completed in November 2013.
The area is a key pedestrian link from the marine lake through to the town centre and Lord Street's main shopping area. But the council said it is a rundown area that suffers high street-crime rates and is in serious need of improvement.
The restoration project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and includes extensive repair and restoration within the 37-acre Grade 2-listed park. There will be new and repaired amenities, soft landscaping, historic buildings, paths, lighting, street furniture and the marine lake edge.
Restoration of existing structures include a Venetian-style footbridge over the marine lake, nine cast iron shelters and historic buildings such as a former ticket office and former ladies conveniences, as well as an Arts & Crafts-style shelter. The concrete retaining wall around the lake will also be repaired.
Capita Symonds is advising Sefton Council.
