Funding and planning consent allows Port Sunlight to sail ahead with restoring Grade II listed Boating Pond

Port Sunlight’s much-loved Grade II listed Boating Pond and accompanying Sea Piece fountain have been out of action for five years due to significant structural issues that meant the water in the pond was leaking into the ground beneath.

Following a proposal put forward by Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) earlier this summer to restore the monument and fountain, it has been announced that both planning consent and funding have been secured to complete the project and get water flowing through them again.

PSVT is the charity responsible for looking after the 19^th century model village famously created by William Lever (Lord Leverhulme) for soap factory workers. Following in-depth technical surveys and research into the Boating Pond, PSVT has worked with a highly experienced team of specialists to submit a planning and listed building consent application to carry out the necessary work.

Wirral Council have now consented to the proposals, allowing PSVT to sail ahead with the significant works required, which are due to begin in the coming months and be completed by Autumn 2026.

PSVT can now announce that a substantial amount of funding has been secured from the Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust.

Andrew Bowden, Chair of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said: “Not only do we have the fabulous news that Wirral Council has given their support to our ambitious and sustainable proposals, but our charity has been able to secure much-needed funding from an external source to carry out the works. Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust’s invaluable support will ensure our charitable funds can be spent where they are most needed, all whilst creating a meaningful legacy for the Boating Pond that keeps William Lever’s philanthropic vision alive. We’re so grateful and we can’t wait to see the fountain flowing again in a year’s time.

Originally constructed in the early 1930s as part of the landscape design of the Diamond opposite Lady Lever Art Gallery, the Boating Pond was a key element of the plans William Lever had for the central part of the village. The pond, with its central Sea Piece Fountain – designed by renowned sculptor Sir Charles Wheeler and installed in 1950 – has long been a focal point for both the village and its visitors.

Over the years, however, the structure has suffered extensive deterioration.

Investigations commissioned by PSVT since 2020 have identified serious structural issues with the pond’s concrete basin and stone walls, resulting in significant water leakage. Additional safety concerns and potential environmental contamination led to the pond being emptied in 2021. Research also discovered that the appearance of the Sea Piece Fountain has changed over the decades from a light green colour to brown.

Following extensive consultation with conservation specialists, Historic England and Wirral Council’s conservation team, PSVT developed an ambitious and sustainable restoration plan to:

• Replace the compromised concrete basin with a modern, structurally sound equivalent designed to prevent future leakage
• Replace an area of ‘crazy paving’ around the Boating Pond with resin bound gravel to both improve accessibility and replicate the original surface
• Dismantle, repair, and rebuild the stone perimeter walls with local stonemasons to ensure long-term stability and authenticity.
• Restore the Sea Piece Fountain to its historically accurate appearance, removing the modern brown patina and reinstating its original light green finish.
• Upgrade the pumping and filtration systems in and around the Boating Pond to ensure safe operation and water quality.

PSVT’s full application for planning and listed building consent, with detailed drawings and supporting information, are viewable at Wirral Council’s online planning portal.

Andrew Bowden continued: “Over a century since the village was founded, the task of conserving Port Sunlight is increasingly complex and costly. From the Boating Pond to our historic buildings and landscapes, the support of others has never been more important to ensuring Port Sunlight is protected for future generations. From making a donation to becoming a corporate sponsor, please give your support today.”

Residents and visitors are also being asked to share their memories, mementos and photographs relating to the Boating Pond and Sea Piece Fountain. This is to strengthen PSVT’s historical knowledge as well as to potentially be part of future interpretation panels, online content and exhibitions. From an anecdote to a family snap, anyone with something to share is invited to get in touch by email to [email protected], call 0151 644 4800 or visit www.portsunlightvillage.com/share-your-story

For any enquiries about the plans, email [email protected]