Locals are concerned but Liverpool City Council has offered an explanation
Numerous images show cars parked across St John’s Gardens in recent weeks
One of the few green spaces in Liverpool city centre has become a partial car park in recent weeks – prompting concerns from some members of the public. St John’s Gardens, which lies adjacent to the famous St George’s Hall, is one of only a handful of green spaces in the city centre.
It forms part of the William Brown Street conservation area in the city centre and is described by Liverpool Council as a “beautiful place to relax or have a picnic and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre”.
But in recent weeks, some locals have been concerned to see a large number of cars being parked in parts of the gardens. Images sent to us show large rows of vehicles parked up in the pedestrianised area – with some parked on grass verges.
When the ECHO visited the area this week, we were also met with rows of vehicles which were parked up at the top end of the gardens, close to St George’s Hall.
This recent development has caused concern for some members of the public.
Numerous images show cars parked across St John’s Gardens in recent weeks
One ECHO reader got in touch to state: “St John’s Gardens has been turned into a car park for the last three weeks without any consultation with the public.
“The council advertise St John’s Gardens as ‘an oasis’ on their website but people are having to sit on benches hemmed in by cars, and drivers park on the grass right next to the memorial to victims of road violence.”
Liverpool City Council has now offered an explanation for why the gardens have recently become something of a city centre car park.
A spokesperson said the area is currently being utilised for vehicles because of the filming of a TV production at St George’s Hall, which is currently taking place.
The ECHO understands that the production being filmed at the iconic building is Saviour, an ITV drama series that has been filming elsewhere in the city as well.
The six-part legal thriller features Game of Thrones actor Aidan Gillen and Bodyguard star Anjli Mohindra. It is written by criminal barrister, novelist and screenwriter Imran Mahmood.
Numerous images show cars parked across St John’s Gardens in recent weeks
Explaining the situation in St John’s Gardens, a council spokesperson said: “Due to a TV production currently filming at St George’s Hall, the garden area is being utilised for vehicles and essential staff, including registration services and Liverpool City Council contractors.
“In addition, the plateau, which is normally reserved for essential council and client vehicles, is temporarily unavailable. Only authorised vehicles are permitted to park in this area, and all vehicles will be removed by Thursday, April 2. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“We have spoken to the production company to ensure that vehicles do not drive or park on the grass or near memorials.”