Photo: The-urban-sky-park
Liverpool to turn derelict flyover into urban park with help of crowdfunding website
04 May 2014
by Richard Forster
Campaigners have succeeded in their first step to turn a derelict flyover in Liverpool, UK, into an urban sky park. Over £40,000 has been raised through Spacehive, the world’s first civic crowdfunding website. Pledges made through the portal are philanthropic on the basis that projects have to be for the public good.
“We are delighted that so many people have supported this idea and that we’re now in a position to move forward with the next stage of The Flyover,” said Kate Stewart, co-founder of Friends of the Flyover. “The Spacehive campaign has captured the hearts and minds of many people locally and beyond and we are both humbled and excited about the next stage and our newly established responsibility to deliver what is now the vision of so many people. We’re also grateful for the support of the council and the many local and national businesses that have become involved financially and by giving time and expertise“
The Friends of the Flyover group raised £40,800 from 360 people to help turn the flyover into a “promenade in the sky” with a space for arts events, markets, cafes, shops and community gardening projects.
The campaign was set up by independent retailer Kate Stewart, Designer Steve Threlfall and architect Mark Bennet after a council document outlining a new public space strategy for the area proposed it’s demolition at a costs of £4 million.
“The campaign managers underline what can be done with energy and spirit to engage strangers under the umbrella of one great idea,” said Chris Gourlay, founder of Spacehive. “The Flyover offers a unique take on urban regeneration and as a former capital of culture Liverpool is the perfect location for such a scheme.”
The group’s campaign, which is backed by Liverpool City Council, wants to use The Flyover as a catalyst to reconnect the existing residential communities in north Liverpool with the city. They also plan to improve the pedestrian walkways of the structure to create a better user experience around the city’s heritage quarter, Marybone neighbourhood and part of Liverpool John Moores University.
