Port Sunlight River Park shortlisted for Planning Award

The former landfill site in Bromborough has been shortlisted for Promoting Economic Growth.

Since taking ownership of Port Sunlight River Park in 2014, the Land Trust has transformed the site into a 28 hectare park, which has become a community asset.

The park has added significant value to local property prices, increased business revenues and created new jobs, highlighting that well maintained green spaces contribute significantly to maintaining a resilient economy, society and environment.

The site, which is managed alongside Autism Together, has had an incredibly positive impact on the local economy since its official opening in 2014.

Research conducted by Manchester Alliance Business School, published in February 2018, highlighted that houses within 500 metres of the park have seen an £8,674 increase in their house prices. The research also found that £48,000 of revenue was generated by businesses operating in the park and a further £38,000 was spent in local businesses in the nearby area.

Alan Carter, Director of Portfolio Management at the Land Trust, said:

“We are delighted that Port Sunlight River Park has been shortlisted for this award. Along with Autism Together and many volunteers, we’ve worked extremely hard to make sure this park has a positive impact on the surrounding communities.

“It’s fantastic to see evidence that well managed green spaces do have a positive impact on the local economy and we hope to see more progress in the future.

The Land Trust will continue to increase the economic benefits to the area around Port Sunlight River Park through the newly opened Heritage Centre and Café. The new Heritage Centre will be home to educational activities, exhibitions and displays. The centre will add to the already thriving environment at the park by adding an additional resource for park users, including local interest groups and volunteers.

The Planning Awards 2019 will take place on Tuesday 4 June 2019. For more information about the Planning Awards, and the other nominees, visit https://www.planningawards.com/ .