Marshall Gardens officially open as restoration work complete

Marshall Gardens was for many decades a picturesque focal point along the banks of the River Mersey and opposite Warrington Cenotaph on Bridgefoot.

It was however neglected over recent years and became a magnet for anti-social behaviour – but it is now flourishing once again after being transformed into a beautiful memorial garden.

The site is named after Hon Alderman Edward Marshall MBE, an influential and respected member of the community who died in 1983 at the age of 103.

After an initial clean-up of the site supported by volunteers, Warrington Borough Council's environmental team started on the site in September for the first major stage of the renovation.

All tired and overgrown trees and shrubbery – excluding one specimen acer tree – have been cleared from the park, with all areas ground down to soil.

A total of 18 new trees have been erected in their place, with the arrangement specially designed to provide open views through the gardens.

An archive photo shows Marshall Gardens in its heyday

The park also features 12 new benches, landscaping works, the planting of a variety of colourful flowers and ornate feature gates and railings.

The idea behind the project came from Lisa Billing, whose son Private Daniel Wade, from Latchford, was tragically killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2012 alongside five of his comrades – The Warrior Six.

Running through the gardens as an integral part is the Heroes Pathway – a permanent tribute to those that have served in the Armed Forces or public services workers – which is being championed by Lisa.

She was present at the official opening ceremony on Sunday, which was the 10th anniversary of the death of Daniel and his Warrior Six comrades, alongside town mayor Cllr Maureen Creaghan.

Also in attendance were family members of the Warrior Six, armed forces representatives, community members and volunteers who have supported the project and the council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins.

"I have always wanted to create a suitable tribute in our town for my son Daniel and his comrades in The Warrior Six,” said Lisa, who has spent years researching and developing the project.

“I am so proud that this has now happened and the work has been completed to bring Marshall Gardens back to life again as a beautiful memorial garden.

Lisa Billing and her family at the bench in tribute to Pte Daniel Wade at Marshall Gardens

“It has been really touching to have received so much support from so many people in the community, including local volunteers.

“I am very grateful for the time and effort they have dedicated to this project, from weeding and litter picking to painting fencing or signing up to support the long-term upkeep of the gardens.

“I would also like to thank the generous businesses that have so kindly provided sponsorship.

“I am really excited about the future of Marshall Gardens, and I am looking forward to it once again shining as a true community garden for everyone to enjoy – from the local community and schoolchildren to veterans and their families.

"It will be a haven of peace and reflection opposite our cenotaph, where anyone can come to reflect, remember and honour someone who – like Daniel for me – is a true hero.”

An important part of the opening ceremony was the planting of the 18 new trees, specifically chosen to bring colour, vibrancy and life to the revitalised gardens.

The selected trees, which originate from all over the world, include a Golden Indian Bean tree, a ‘Candyfloss’ Tree, a Black Mulberry tree and a Persian Ironwood tree.

A bench installed in Marshall Gardens in tribute to Pte Daniel Wade

Some of the trees are unique to Marshall Gardens and will not be found anywhere else in Warrington, and included among the new trees are six cherry blossom trees – one for each of the Warrior Six in honour of the sacrifice they made.

Cherry blossoms were chosen as their short-lived blossom each year is a reminder that life is beautiful yet fleeting, and they were planted by resident-nominated community heroes.

“Marshall Gardens has a special significance due to its location opposite Warrington Cenotaph, but in recent years it had become a forgotten part of our town centre,” Cllr Creaghan commented.

"I am absolutely delighted that the gardens have now been restored to their former glory, and from the beautiful new trees to new themed benches and a Heroes Pathway, the gardens really have been given a new lease of life.

“In 2019, we completed our project to restore, enhance and safeguard the cenotaph for future generations, and it is fantastic that Marshall Gardens has also now been enhanced and preserved.

“By creating a memorial garden here, we have provided the perfect companion for our cenotaph with a real place of peace and beauty where people can come to reflect and remember.”

A special feature of the garden is the Heroes Pathway, with residents having been encouraged to buy and dedicate a stone to a local hero over recent months.

Lisa Billing looks at the first stones laid in the new Heroes Pathway

All profits from the sale of stones are donated to support the work of The Warrington Wolves Foundation and St Rocco’s Hospice.

Cllr Higgins added: “This is a fantastic project which has seen the whole community working together to create something truly special.

“Over the past 18 months, these gardens opposite our cenotaph, and with their fantastic views of the River Mersey, have undergone a complete transformation.

“It has been a real source of pride to see so many people dedicating their time and efforts to this project.

“It really is a fantastic example of how, by working together, we can achieve great things.

“Marshall Gardens is now ready to begin a new era as a vibrant memorial garden, and I am looking forward to it once again, as when it first opened, providing a welcoming, picturesque community parkland in the heart of Warrington.”