PSVT launches new strategy with bold vision for the future of our iconic historic village
21 May 2025
Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) has unveiled its new three-year strategy, outlining an ambitious roadmap for the future of one of the UK’s most iconic heritage sites and communities.
Rooted in a mission to keep the 19th century ‘model village’ relevant, PSVT is committing to work with residents and partners to care for Port Sunlight’s historic buildings, landscapes, and stories while creating an inclusive, vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Last year, the independent charity celebrated 25 years since it was established to take over stewardship of Port Sunlight from global company Unilever, who still have a significant home in the village where its original Lever Brothers soap factory was built.
Building on the organisation’s successes in recent years, PSVT will deliver a bold range of projects focused on embedding the resident engagement strategy, building environmental resilience, developing new audiences, growing partnerships, and championing sustainable commercial development. One of these projects is a £1.5 million programme to improve the energy efficiency of its nearly 300 Grade II listed residential properties, which has involved commissioning one of the largest commercial secondary glazing installation programmes in the country.
Paul Harris, CEO of PSVT, explains: “At the heart of our new plan is a deep respect for Port Sunlight’s past, but an even greater commitment to its future.
“We are evolving our role from preservation alone to dynamic stewardship — ensuring Port Sunlight remains environmentally conscious, socially vibrant, and economically resilient. Our 2025–28 Strategic Plan recognises that the world around us is changing constantly, and so both Port Sunlight and our charity must evolve and adapt with it. We’re excited to be leading Port Sunlight into a sustainable and inclusive future.”
After leading PSVT as CEO for a decade, Paul Harris has also announced that he will be stepping down from the role in early 2026 to begin his retirement. During his time, Paul has steered PSVT and the village through some significant moments, from managing the village’s response to the New Ferry explosion in 2017 and the impact of Covid-19 in 2020, to delivering a range of new strategies and plans aimed at growing Port Sunlight’s importance as a heritage site and visitor destination. Recruitment for a new CEO will begin in the coming weeks.
“It’s been an honour to be at the helm of such an inspiring organisation, working with a range of stakeholders to make Port Sunlight a great place to live, work and visit. But I’m not leaving just yet – between now and March 2026, I will be staying to ensure the first year of our new Strategic Plan is delivered successfully and the new CEO is recruited over the coming months.”
Elsewhere as part of the new strategy, plans are underway across the village’s 130 acres of landscaped spaces to revitalise underused garage sites, enhance public amenities, and to sympathetically restore and protect the village’s Grade II listed Boating Pond. Over the next 15 months, the team will work closely with heritage specialists and engineers to repair and restore the much-loved Boating Pond and Sea Piece fountain to their former glory.
The village’s empty or underused historic buildings, such as the Stables, are also being brought to life for new commercial uses, including monthly markets and a new independent café, bringing benefits to both residents and visitors.
As part of its mission, PSVT will continue delivering educational programmes and inclusive events through its museums and heritage venues, including SoapWorks and Bridge Cottage.
Plans are also advancing to redevelop The Lyceum, one of the village’s iconic buildings, into a new inspiring visitor attraction. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has invited PSVT to submit a Round 1 application to transform the current offering to include not only a new museum, but a community facility and learning hub from 2028 onwards.
Andrew Bowden, Chair of the Board of PSVT, said: “Through feedback and improved communication, PSVT is continuing to place residents and our tenants at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that the village evolves in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who call it home.
“By the time this new strategic plan is completed in 2028, we will be marking 140 years since Port Sunlight was founded by William Lever, so there will be plenty to celebrate. We hope everyone who visits, lives and works in this special village will join us on this next chapter in its story.”
You can find more information about the plans in full here.
