Millions invested in garden and greenhouse attraction

A leading horticultural attraction is to be redeveloped in Liverpool, giving gardening and greenhouse fans the opportunity to sample its splendour in the future.

The former site of the International Garden Festivals, which was held throughout the 1980s, has been left untended for years, but a new grant is set to restore the land to its former glory.

North West Development Agencys £2 million funding will be used to create a 26-acre ornamental garden, featuring Chinese and Japanese plants and pagodas.

A further 40 acres of the site is to be developed into natural parkland and will be used for recreational purposes.

In its heyday, the site held horticulture displays from May to October, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Local authorities also recently helped restore the Stanley Park gardens and Victorian greenhouse in Liverpool.

The site is located between the stadiums of the citys main two football clubs.