Work is under way on the community project to breathe new life into Marshall Gardens, opposite the cenotaph, in the town centre.
Following an initial clean-up of the site, supported by local volunteers, the council’s environment team is now on site for the first key stage of the refurbishment, which over the coming months will see the site transformed into a beautiful community garden.
From this week, all shrub and tree plantings, excluding one specimen Acer tree, will be cleared from the garden and all areas ground down to soil.
The felled trees will be replaced by 18 new trees, which will revitalise the gardens, with the designs providing open views through the parkland – and opening up views of the gardens from the opposite bank of the River Mersey – creating an inviting green space for the whole community to enjoy.
The clearance of the original trees – which were planted in the 1950’s and are in a tired state – is necessary, as many of them have outgrown their surroundings and need to be replaced.
Staff from the council’s nature reserves team have also undertaken a thorough wildlife habitat survey, prior to the works commencing.
The community-led refurbishment project to create a place of peace and reflection is being co-ordinated by the council, in partnership with Lisa Billing, the mother of Private Daniel Wade, from Latchford, who was killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2012.
Lisa is now giving the community the opportunity to play their part in the project, by planting the new trees. She is asking people to nominate local heroes who deserve to plant a tree – whether it’s a school class, a community leader or a public service hero.
In addition, Lisa is looking for local businesses to sponsor the new flower beds in the gardens – with each sponsor receiving their own plaque on the beds. She is also looking for a local artist who can assist with the creation of a new mural in the gardens.
If you would like to nominate someone to plant a tree, or would like to sponsor a flower bed or support the project in any way, you can do so by visiting the Friends of Marshall Gardens Facebook page, or by emailing marshallgardenswarrington@gmail.com
The clearance of the trees will pave the way to the rest of the refurbishment works moving forward. As well as the new trees, flower beds and mural, other key parts of the project include:
● the installation of 12 new benches
● landscaping works and the planting of a variety of colourful, textured, scented flowers
● new sculpture and sensory items, including braille signs
● securing the gardens through new railings and CCTV
Lisa Billing said: “I’m so pleased that such good progress is being made in transforming Marshall Gardens into a haven of peace and reflection. This will be a true community garden for everyone to enjoy – from the local community and schoolchildren to veterans and their families – so it’s been fantastic to see local people coming forward to dedicate their time to the project.
“We want as many local people as possible to be involved in the refurbishment, and we are always looking for volunteers. There are lots of ways you can help, from weeding and litter picking to painting fencing or signing up to support the long-term upkeep of the gardens. If you would like to offer your services, please get in touch.
“I’m really excited about the future of Marshall Gardens. My hope is to bring the whole community together to create a place where people can reflect, remember and honour someone who is a hero to them – because we all have heroes in our lives who are worth honouring.”
The Heroes Pathway
A major highlight of the gardens will be a new Heroes Pathway, delivered in partnership with The National Veteran’s Walk, which aims to create permanent tributes to all who have served or are still serving in our Regular and Reserve Armed Forces and also public service.
Started in Sunderland in 2016, the Warrington project has been expanded for the first time to allow people to purchase a stone paying tribute to public services workers – including Emergency services, NHS and medical staff who have worked bravely in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
For more information about the Heroes Pathway project and to purchase a stone, please visit nationalveteranswalk.co.uk.
Rob Deveron, Ops Director at National Walks Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be part of the major refurbishment of such an historical location, remembering one of Warrington’s greatest industrialists.
“The pathway within the park is available to all Military, Public, Health & Emergency Services Personnel who have supported both country and local community over the years. Each stone will carry personal service details and will be laid as a Lasting Tribute to Proud Service. Everyone has their own hero and what better way to create that permanent memory for all.”
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, added: “It’s great news that this fantastic project, to breathe new life into Marshall Gardens, is moving forward. These enabling works are an important next step in providing the canvas for the creation of a new community parkland, in the heart of Warrington.
“It’s wonderful to see the community supporting this project, and I hope to see many more local people getting involved as the refurbishment gathers momentum. Working together, we can transform this site into a vibrant, sensory memorial garden for everyone to enjoy.”
For further background information, visit the ‘Marshall Gardens Heroes Walk’ or ‘Friends of Marshall Gardens’ pages on Facebook. You can also follow @MarshallGarden1 on Twitter.
