Children in Dovecot have put the finishing touches to a housing development built on the site of their former school.
Pupils from Blueberry Park School worked with local artist Nicola Taggart to produce two book-benches for Riverside’s new development on the site of the former Maidford Road Primary School, which merged with Colwell Primary in 2002 to form Blueberry Park.
While one of the pieces of art focuses on what the pupils love about the school, from swimming classes to the school council, the other highlights what they love about Liverpool and features some of the city’s best-loved landmarks including the Mersey Ferry.
The development is also home to a book-bench designed by UCan Youth Group, which has a strong message about taking the right path, and another by Dovecot Residents Association, which features a map of the area.
The development – a mix of one-and-two bedroom apartments and bungalows – has been built by Riverside’s commercial arm Prospect GB.
Graham Dawson, Prospect’s Engagement Officer, said: “We wanted to commemorate the history of the site in some way and we thought it only fitting to invite the pupils from the new school to put their stamp on the site of the former school.
“Shaped as open books, the benches are a celebration of reading, as well as an opportunity for the children to learn more about the history of their city, using the internet to research ideas. The project has really captured the imagination of the children and the finished products are credit to their creativity.”
Built in partnership with Liverpool City Council on land gifted the land to Riverside, the development is part of the Mayoral pledge to deliver 5,000 new homes.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion added: “After the closure of Maidford Road Primary School, the site became a hotspot for fly-tipping. It is fantastic to see the land brought back into use and transformed from eyesore to eye-catching with these striking pieces of art.
“I’m so impressed with the attention to detail in the designs – one of the girls even painted a Royal Iris to mark the historic Mersey ferry where I met the Lady Mayoress.”
Pictured above: Kaspar Krzymindski ten and Melissa Wilson nine with artist Nicola Taggart
