Piece of local history with royal links restored in Liverpool
07 March 2023
Part of the famous Dockers Club in Liverpool has been preserved thanks to Persimmon Homes.
Main image: Dan Carden and Ian Byrne in front of the gates
The famous old gates from the club, opened by The Duke of Edinburgh back in 1953, have been restored to their former glory and gifted to the nearby Seascope Maritime Training centre.
Edinburgh Park Dockers Club provided a community hub for various social and sporting activities for 60 years. The club was renamed Edinburgh Park following the Duke’s visit at which he was driven through the iconic gates to meet the crowds that had gathered to welcome him.
Following the closure of the club, the land was acquired by Persimmon who have paid homage to the history of the site by naming the new housing development Edinburgh Park.
Over recent months, the cast-iron gates have been sandblasted and resorted to their original electric blue colour.
Joining Persimmon for the official handover of the gates to Seascope, Dan Carden, MP for Walton, said: “As the local MP and someone who comes from a long line of dockworkers, it is profoundly moving to see the gates restored within the constituency.”
Also in attendance, Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby added: “I would like to thank everyone involved for saving this piece of social and trade union history. The Dockers' Club in West Derby meant so much too so many, and I was delighted to unveil the gates today, knowing that they will be preserved as a symbol of our maritime heritage.”
Tom Hinks, Business Operations Manager at Seascope said: “to have the gates located in our centre and to be able to explain the history behind them is an honour and a privilege and we’re absolutely made up with this opportunity.”
Paul Mascord, Construction Director for Perismmon North West, added “We’re delighted to have been able to save such a historical local artefact and restore the gates to their former glory.”
“It was great to join local dignitaries to see the gates unveiled, preserving the memory of the Dockers' Club for years to come here at Seascope."
