What Happened?
Liverpool, UK, is considering transforming unused flyover space into an urban park and location for community events. By repurposing the flyover, Liverpool could avoid about $6 million in demolition costs while connecting north Liverpool to other neighborhoods and amenities.
Goal
Friends of the Flyover is working with Liverpool officials to map out the new designs for the flyover space that would create pedestrian and cycle-friendly throughways on an elevated platform above the busy highway. The urban park would be designed to house:
- Plants and green space
- Kiosks
- Cafes
- Energy efficient lighting
- Power infrastructure
- Market stalls
- Trail equipment
- Wi-Fi accessibility
- Farmer’s market
- Urban farms
The green park design would use solar and wind energy generation to power a lighting scheme to keep walkers and cyclists safe without increase costs or emissions. The space would also be developed with resources to host live events such as concerts and fairs.
A strong, positive public response to the proposal incited a crowd-funding campaign that raised money for a feasibility study, business models and detailed design plans. Developers will also conduct structural assessments to identify the sustainability of the project to ensure long-term success.
Turn It Around
Sydney’s Goods Line was also unused space in the middle of a thriving metropolitan community that was transformed into useful public space. The underutilized rail track used to transport freight through Sydney. The Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority has begun work to convert the rail line into a public space for concerts, pop-up events, recreation and academic gatherings. The community will be pedestrian-friendly and equipped with bicycle routes to reduce traffic congestion.
The Sydney’s Goods Line project was inspired by a similar effort made in New York City to create an elevated park where a historic freight line rail once ran. The New York High Line project turned the underused freight line that runs through Manhattan’s West Side into a public park elevated above the streets. The park features:
- Food vendors
- Kiosks
- Restrooms
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Gift shop
- Trails
- Bike racks
- Elevator service
The elevated park is owned by the City of New York and maintained by the Friends of the High Line nonprofit organization. All purchases made in the park go toward supporting park maintenance and programs. The Friends of the High Line worked with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to preserve the historic freight line and transform the space into a public park.
The Friends of the High Line raises the essential private funds to support the park’s annual budget, as well as future initiatives to convert unused infrastructure into public green space. Through the public-private partnership with New York City, all maintenance responsibility falls on the nonprofit organization while the space is officially registered and protected as a public park.
How Parks Survive
Gov1 has kept a close eye on local parks projects, many of which are experimenting with public-private partnerships or consolidation strategies.