Village prepares for 'new chapter' as it shares future plans

THERE ARE PLANS FOR A RANGE OF PROJECTS DAN HAYGARTH Liverpool Daily Post Editor and Regeneration Reporter 06:00, 21 May 2025 A historic Merseyside village has unveiled future plans as it

begins a "new chapter". Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) has unveiled a new three-year strategy, outlining plans for the future for the Wirral village, which was built in the

late 19th century by the Lever Brothers for staff at their soap factory. PSVT wishes to keep the 19th century model village relevant and said it will work with residents and partners to care

for Port Sunlight’s historic buildings, landscapes, and stories. Its aim is to create 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. PSVT said it will deliver a range of projects focused on embedding the resident engagement strategy, building environmental resilience, developing new audiences, growing

partnerships and its commercial links. 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, said: "At the heart of our new plan is a deep

respect for Port Sunlight’s past, but an even greater commitment to its future. Article continues below "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. Recruitment for a new CEO will begin in the coming

weeks. Paul added: "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 with heritage specialists and

engineers to repair and restore the Boating Pond and Sea Piece fountain. 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 one application to transform the current offering to include a new

museum, 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. Article

continues below "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."