Rock Park is situated on the Wirral side of the Mersey, on the edge of the town of Rock Ferry. It was designed in the 1830's as a residential estate for the increasingly wealthy Liverpool Merchants. These homes are more akin to large villas than what we would call houses and were the first Victorian properties to be listed. They were all individually designed, although the owners and their architects had to keep within the 'Articles of Agreement' drawn up at the time regarding size, materials, height and occupation. The building work was completed by the early 1850's.
If you were to visit Rock Ferry today and not know about places such as Rock Park, you would probably want to pass through it quite quickly because so much has changed there and the former character has been sucked out. Of course there will still be good people living in the community but it is an area of 'Regeneration' and many good solid homes have been bulldozed to make way for the usual rubbish they put up instead, which completely changes a community. Only my opinion of course but I feel I can say this because it is where I spent much of my childhood. It has changed beyond all recognition, unlike places on the west side of the Wirral. Key components in these included the sad demise of Cammel Lairds, industry in general and the (necessary) creation of motorways. The A41 was once the main road to London (I know, I lived by the traffic lights!) so industry and therefore income, started to be channelled away from the area.
However, prior to the rise of the motorways, the council in their usual wisdom, allowed the building of a by-pass, something I doubt they would get away with today because in so doing, they dissected Rock Park into two halves. This resulted in the destruction of many homes and therefore much of the historic fabric of the park. This road now runs extremely close to the houses which are not on the river side of the Park. To my mind, the decline of the whole area was rapid from then on. I doubt that a by-pass could be built there today and thankfully Rock Park was designated as a conservation area soon after it was built so the remaining, amazing properties are better protected.
Whilst trying to strike the right balance and being aware of local economics, if necessary try to fight to keep places you love as they are. Keep an eye on what councils and builders are proposing. 'Progress' is often just the opposite and, as we now know only too well these days, bad planning (and greed) tear communities apart.
Please go along to Rock Park yourself one day and see why this fabulous slice of Victorian splendor is worth preserving for further generations to enjoy.
lovely!
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