Century-old conservatory restored in Liverpool

Liverpool residents are enjoying the benefits of a multi-million pound renovation of one of their parks.

The 143-year-old Stanley Park has been undergoing £14 million worth of work, including the planting of 70,000 new trees and the restoration of a lake, according to the Ellesmere Port Standard.

However, the centrepiece of the park – the 110-year-old Isla Gladstone Conservatory – is perhaps the most impressive change.

After being taken down piece by piece, the metal frame was restored before being re-erected and glazed with 1,483 panes of glass.

Liverpool City Council executive member for the environment Berni Turner told the paper that the restoration work was part of a wider project to reinvigorate the northern part of the city.

"This is an ambitious and exciting project and Im delighted that the park will be returned to its former glory for Liverpools Year of the Environment," he said.

"The restoration of the park is a critical and symbolic piece of the jigsaw to regenerate north Liverpool, and in doing so it improves the quality of life of the residents who live there and the visitors who enjoy spending time in the historic green area."
Having been out of use for 30 years, the conservatory renovation will be welcomed by all users of the park.

Liverpool enjoyed a year as European Capital of culture in 2008 – a title that has passed on to Vilnius of Lithuania and Linz of Austria.