Liverpool adopts Woodward Park masterplan and starts search for long-term investment

The revised design masterplan for Woodward Park has been adopted, with council also set to look for alternate sites for affected user groups and run an expression of interest process for future investment.

Liverpool City Council has adopted the revised Draft Woodward Park Design Masterplan, setting the direction for future changes at the park and opening the way for a process to seek long-term investment proposals.

At its 25 March meeting, council also agreed to investigate suitable alternate sites for any community and sporting groups affected by the plan. The same resolution delegated the chief executive officer to conduct an expression of interest process inviting proposals for long-term investment in Woodward Park.

The decision gives Woodward Park an adopted masterplan, but it also signals possible changes for existing users if activities or facilities need to move. The minutes do not set out which groups would be affected, only that alternate sites are to be investigated.

Woodward Park was one of the main community items decided at the meeting. In the same session, councillors deferred the Ireland Park Masterplan for further consultation with councillors, Liverpool Rangers and affected sporting clubs, and backed $30,000 in Matching Grant Program funding for two community projects.

For residents, the practical effect is that planning for Woodward Park can now proceed under the adopted design framework, while council examines where impacted sporting and community groups could be accommodated elsewhere if needed.

The next steps are for council staff to investigate those alternate sites and for the CEO to run the expression of interest process for long-term investment at the park. The minutes do not specify a timetable for either step.