United Utilities is to undertake a two-year project in a bid to prevent flooding
Wavertree Park ‘The Mystery’ and the United Utilities work site. Pictured resident Damien Revens-Turner(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
A massive water tank reaching 60ft deep is to be installed in one of Liverpool’s historic parks in a building project which could take up to two years and which has prompted a backlash from neighbours.
Survey work has begun on the installation of a huge underground storage tank at the Mystery in Wavertree. United Utilities is undertaking a £30m project which the water company said will help reduce flooding in the area. This has been met with anger and frustration by those living across from the 104-acre site who claim the project has been “dropped on” their community.
Work to install the tank – which will hold 5.5 million litres of rainwater or the equivalent of more than two Olympic sized swimming pools – is expected to get underway in the New Year for a period of up to two years.
Damon Revans-Turner, who has lived opposite the Mystery for a decade on Grant Avenue, described the project as a “catastrophe for the whole community.”
Plant equipment has been set up on the Mystery across from Grant Avenue surrounded by a series of fences. United Utilities is completing survey work and ground investigation this month.
The 104 acre park was given to Liverpool Corporation in 1895 by an anonymous city well-wisher — the reason why it is affectionately known as The Mystery. It has become a popular spot for runners, dog walkers and families over the years using the park.
The tank will sit 60ft deep into the ground of the park and will be 88ft wide. United Utilities said it is working with Liverpool Council to ensure as much access to the park as possible is maintained for the public during the construction works.
The tank is due to be completed, and the section of park re-instated, in 2028. Mr Revans-Turner said: “There was a consultation last week that we went along to to speak to officials there.
“It’s going to be big enough to put half the street in stood up in the hole. It’s going to take two years to complete and they’re going to dump half the rubble on the park itself.
Wavertree Park ‘The Mystery’ and the United Utilities work site(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“We’ll have 40 tonne trucks going up and down the road, it’s crazy. It’s outrageous, what the hell is going on?
“I’ll see miles of red sandstone outside my house for the next two years. When they say underground, you don’t expect a massive hole.
“The houses are going to shake, none of the businesses have been told, it’s a disgrace.”
Cllr Carl Cashman, who represents the Church ward in which the park sits, said: “I met with United Utilities to hear about the plans and to ensure that they listened to residents’ views. At the meeting I managed to secure funding for the play equipment and benches to be upgraded.
“The park will be exactly the same once it’s been done with additional improvements. I think where there’s been miscommunication is on permanent changes to the park.
“I raised this with United Utilities and asked them to be more clear in their communications. They did apologise and give me assurances that they would be.
“I plan to meet with them next week and to hopefully organise a session where residents can hear about the work and also put any concerns to them.”
To ease congestion and safeguard trees at the entrance adjacent to Grant Avenue and Smithdown Road, a new entrance is set to be built for construction traffic and ongoing tank maintenance. Steve Kenyon, wastewater business lead for Merseyside at United Utilities, said: “We know there are long standing issues of surface water flooding in the area.
“This scheme at Wavertree Park will help to alleviate some of this by storing rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall. We’re also continuing to work with a number of partners to look at how else flooding can be reduced in the area.”
Another resident who lives near the Mystery, known as Ste, said the park had been beloved by the community for years. He said: “It’s used by everyone, young to old, there’s joggers, and dog walkers.
“There’s bats, foxes and the blackbirds that have been there for generations, they’re part of the community as well. It’s a community space and has been popular for so many years.”
A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “We are working closely with United Utilities to minimise the impact on park users while necessary works to introduce an underground storm tank take place. The tank will help reduce the risk of flooding in the local area.
“Part of the park will be closed during the works, but the playground will remain open, and all planned activities and groups will continue as usual.”