ROCK PARK
Rock Park Conservation Area was designated in February 1979. It represents a purpose-built, out-of-town, residential estate formed by Liverpool merchants and sited near the local cross-river ferry terminal. The riverside estate also benefits from fine views across the Mersey Estuary and can be clearly recognised from viewpoints on the opposite bank of the River.
The introduction of the steam ferry service in 1830 stimulated the development of the area. Its growing popularity encouraged more people to cross the river estuary. Accordingly, Wirral soon became a desirable residential location for many merchants working regularly in Liverpool.
In 1836 several Liverpool gentlemen formed a Joint Stock Company called the Rock Ferry Company. Land was purchased by the company and in the following year plans were drawn up by Jonathan Bennison incorporating a road layout and building plots. The design of houses was left to architects employed by individual land owners but had to comply with the Park’s articles of agreement of 1837. This stipulated the design requirements in terms of size, materials, height and occupation. The development of the Park was rapid and by 1850 the plan was almost complete.
The following is a list of features that are part of the special character of Rock Park Conservation Area:
Important and relatively early example of a planned speculative estate of upper-middle class housing.
Large group of listed buildings, each of individual architectural interest. Most buildings are relatively intact with the majority of their principal features surviving.
Buildings are constructed of high quality materials, with the use of sandstone and slate highly prominent.
There is an exceptionally high level of architectural detailing, in particular that of carved stonework to window surrounds and eaves details.
Many of the buildings hold a remarkable position overlooking the Mersey and with views towards many of Liverpool’s landmarks Most buildings sit within a very green landscape with many mature trees.
Original or good quality and appropriate gateposts and boundary walls exist to most sites.
The association of the area with prominent figurehead Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The construction of the New Ferry bypass in the 1970’s dissected the Park and destroyed much of its historic fabric. The by-pass also resulted in the loss of one of the area’s most significant buildings; the former home of Nathaniel Hawthorne (see below). The association of 26 Rock Park with this important figurehead would have meant that the building would have been of international significance. The other lost villas would have undoubtedly made a considerable visual contribution to the character of the area and the lodge would have been important both as a gateway to Rock Park but also as a record of how it worked as a gated community. Immediately after the building of the bypass, the remainder of Rock Park was quickly designated a conservation area in 1979. To view a map of the Conservation Area click here.
The conservation area contains 35 buildings that are recorded in the National Heritage List for England as designated listed buildings, all of which are listed at Grade II. The Esplanade is included on the list but is presently unavailable due to its dangerous state of deterioration.
