Lessons learnt from urban planning examples

Last Thursday (20 October), Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation’s Board of Management travelled to Port Sunlight, arguably the finest surviving example of early urban planning in the UK, to share lessons in how the two towns are managed today.

Representatives from Port Sunlight Village Trust exhibited at Letchworth Arts Centre’s ‘Who do you think you are, Letchworth? festival last summer and invited the Foundation’s Board for a tour of their village. 

The visit, near Liverpool, began with a brief presentation which told the story of its successful soap maker William Hesketh Lever who provided a picture postcard home for his workers, who, in return, worked hard and gave loyalty and affection. His company, now under different ownership, trades as Unilever.

Lionel Bolland, Port Sunlight Trust’s Chief Executive gave a walking tour and explained how the estate maintained its intoxicating mix of architectural styles enhanced by parkland throughout the village. The tour continued as the Board were treated to the best of Lever's personal art collection at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. 

Reflecting on the visit, Colin Chatfield, Heritage Foundation Chairman said “We were invited here to explore the similarities between our town and Port Sunlight. You can see the links back to Garden City principles which of course drove and started the concept of Letchworth. We hope to return the invitation and establish a long relationship between these two fascinating towns.” 

Image: Colin Chatfield presents Lionel Bolland and Maggie Sparks with a gift from Letchworth Garden City

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