The cost of a controversial transformation has been revealed as a consultation continues for the future of a popular Merseyside park.
Orrell Mount Park, better known as Silcocks, was the subject of days of protests last year when residents blocked the paths of a number of lorries trying to enter the grounds of the park. The protests were held ahead of work to transform part of the park into an all-weather 3G pitch.
The plans have been backed by the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation in a bid to offer better facilities to the local area. The plans proved unpopular and people in Bootle came together to protect the green space from the development.
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It has now been revealed exactly how much the development will cost. As part of the government's multi-sport grassroots facilities programme, the development will receive £778,047, with the pitch costing a total of £1,128,047.
In the government document detailing the funding, it said: "The project will provide a full-size 3G Football Turf Pitch and new changing pavilion in Orrell Mount Park, Sefton. The grant was awarded to the Council but will be operated by the Jamie Carragher Foundation and will support the women and girls and disability game.
"The project will also be home to a number of clubs for training and match play. The project will benefit from a £200k contribution from the Council."
Orrel Mount Park isn't the only space involved in the scheme in Sefton, with Chesterfield High School receiving funding for a 3G pitch and the old Civil Service Centre, home to the Liverpool County FA, also having funding. The Civil Service Centre will receive the highest amount of funding, with more than £1.2m coming from the government and a total of just over £1.7m being spent on the project.
The document said: "The project was to provide a full-size 3G Football Turf Pitch and refurbishment of the old Civil Service Centre in Sefton and will be the home of Liverpool County FA moving forward following a relocation from Walton Hall. The project sits in a highly deprived area and will support a number of local clubs and leagues, as well as supporting the recreational game. Clubs include FC Northern who are a large England accredited club in the area."
Just down the road, Chesterfield High School is receiving £568k from the government with the total project costing £768k. The school was also highlighted by the government for being home to Everton in the Community projects.
The document said: "This project is for a full-size 3G Football Turf Pitch at Chesterfield High School in Hightown, Sefton - it has a positive contribution from the School (£200k) and will support the women and girls game, disability and recreational play. It will be home to three partner clubs and league matches on a weekend. The site is also home to Everton in the Community programmes."
