The partners behind a large-scale regeneration scheme for north Liverpool have published a call to residents to join a new community engagement group (CEG).
The project, which will be centred on Walton Hall Park, will be the catalyst to huge investment in the area bringing jobs and new facilities to the local community and turning the park in to a destination for people right across the city.
Proposed uses for the park could include retail and leisure space with new homes to further support the local economy. The park will be extensively regenerated as part of these plans and a potential stadium development for Everton Football Club could form a sports hub, bringing together facilities and services and creating key partnerships with other sports-led initiatives.
The CEG, to be chaired by Cllr Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Housing, is seeking applications from constituted residents’ and community groups, as well as local park user groups.
The purpose of the CEG will be to receive updates on project progress and feed this back to their members, as well as communicate ideas as the plans unfold.
“This group is all part of developing these exciting proposals for the city and will play a key role in keeping local communities involved and updated.” said Ann O’Byrne.
“It’s a complicated project that will take time to refine so that it delivers the optimal result for local people and for the city overall. This project has the potential to be transformational for the local community in North Liverpool and we see it as a major strategic investment that will add new jobs and homes and boost the city’s economy.”
Clarifying what is meant by ‘constituted groups’, Cllr O’Byrne said that these were bodies, such as residents’ associations, with formal constitutions, regular meetings and minute-taking that records the group’s actions.
“We find groups of this type are representative and accountable and used to the necessary formality that goes with managing a forum of this type,” explained Cllr O’Byrne.
“If people would like to form a group in order to apply to participate, then they can contact their local ward councillor to help them do so.”
The deadline for applications is Friday 20th February and the first formal meeting is scheduled for mid-March. Applications can be made through the project website at http://www.parklifeproject.com/ where more details can also be found about constituted groups or ward potential applicants can contact ceg@parklifeproject.com for further information or to contact their ward councillors.
“We’re stepping up progress now, as we promised, and this move will ensure different stakeholders have the opportunity to engage and shape the plans as they progress,” said Cllr O’Byrne.
