Hidden away off a busy road in Wirral is a “charming” Victorian-era village growing at a rapid pace, but many Merseyside residents are unaware of its proud history and thriving present.
Bromborough Pool is a small area of Bromborough in Wirral. It’s easy to miss, tucked away off a side road on the eastern edge of the peninsula.
However, in this village there are impeccable Victorian-era terraces and a cricket pitch, combined with fresh new build housing for young families. Michael Christiansen, a 38-year-old from Tranmere who works in the village, said: “A lot of people who visit say, ‘we had no idea this place existed.’”
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Michael works for Autism Together, a Wirral-based charity who have taken residence in the village’s old amenities. These facilities help people with autism live independent lives. The ECHO spoke to him in the Bromborough Pool Garden Centre and Cafe, which is run by the charity and staffed by people with autism.
Michael said: “As the manager of the cafe, I try to inspire these guys to be more independent and run the business side more than the cafe. It also helps raise awareness to the public about autism.”
The location aids the charity’s work. He said: “Location wise, it is brilliant. It’s a nice, quiet village which is perfect for the people we support."
The fact that Michael’s son also has autism makes this aim extra personal. He said: “It is worrying for parents who wonder what are their children are going to do when they become an adult. Here, they can engage in activities like everyone does, gives them time to do things they normally wouldn’t be able to do. It helps them fulfil their lives as much as possible.”
Bromborough Pool Village was built between 1853 and 1858 as a model village for the workers at the nearby Price’s Candle Factory, which was part of the wider Bromborough docks that traded with the world like its counterparts in Birkenhead and Liverpool. Despite compromising of just five small streets, the secluded village was home to a hospital, school and church, with two large fields for recreation.
Now, those amenities have been repurposed by the Autsim Together, with a health and well-being centre, music groups, specialised housing and performing arts facilities. But despite this proud history and altruistic present, Brombrough Pool doesn’t seem to have the same recognition as nearby Port Sunlight, despite it being built over 20 years before.
Jaax Carter, a 19 year-old who has lived in Bromborough Pool all his life, said: “Most people know Bromborough generally and Port Sunlight, but this place is small and tucked away. I think more people should know about it.”
He added: “I’d like to see more independent cafes and businesses opening. The only thing like that here is this garden centre and cafe.”
The area still feels rooted in its past and visit here on a Saturday afternoon in the summer and you will find an idyllic English village, with children out playing in the Rainbow Corner Park and the Maritime Cricket Club batting and bowling for hours on end.
However, the vast amounts of new housing in the area could eventually bring more facilities. Jaax said: “This area is growing with the new housing. I think it’s good - it’s making the place a lot bigger and a lot nicer.”
For Michael, the growth presents a big opportunity for the charity to receive more attention and improve an already good area. However, he is mindful of the concerns of the wider village.
He said: “Bromborough Pool is gradually starting to get bigger with the new houses and that will help people know where we are. It has definitely got charm and I’d like more people to visit. However, I don’t live in the village and we’ve got to be respectful of what people living here want.”
He added: “We really want to be there for the community too and give something back to them for helping us.”
A flyer in the cafe showcases this more cautious view. There are plans by a football club to build on South View’s large field, and with that brings concerns about public access to the field, parking and litter.
Furthermore, the appearance of some of the new builds can be very jarring when compared to their Victorian predecessors. This area of Wirral is packed full of old industrial sites that have been redeveloped in recent years, and the old candle factory here is just one example.
The nearby Port Sunlight River Park, which is actually in Bromborough, used to be an old landfill site. In 2014 it was reopened as a beautiful green space with spectacular views towards Liverpool.
There is also the Kings Hill development up the road, which overlooks the Dibbinsdale Brook that feeds into the Mersey. However, the village itself has retained what makes it unique.
Jaax said: “Everyone knows each other here. It’s very united and there’s definitely a strong community feeling.”
Going forward, Bromborough Pool will have to balance its Victorian charm with an increasing demand for housing, and the effects that come with that.
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