Community / Commercial / Adaptive Re-Use
In 2017 the former Park Palace of Varieties theatre and cinema was transformed into a pop-up starter riding school. The project gives local primary school age children access to ponies and riding.
What remained of the theatre interior was retained and celebrated as the new riding arena. The adjacent stable yard came together using reclaimed and recycled materials. Some new interventions included a reception space, viewing area, kick board perimeter, signage, and new branding identity. The majority of the ‘architectural’ input came in the form of extensive community engagement such as community open days and a pop-up cinema event.
Park Palace Ponies’ impact within the local community has been far reaching. The project has provided subsidised or free riding lessons, employment and volunteering opportunities as well as equine therapy sessions.
Originally conceived as a pilot project, Park Palace Ponies became a permanent facility in 2020. Over 3000 children (aged 4-10) have learned to ride with Park Palace Ponies since 2017. In 2022 Park Palace Ponies crowdfunded a second Liverpool site (Walkers Woods) to ensure their members continue to have access to riding as they grow up. They have also been awarded the Queen‘s Award for Voluntary Service (MBE for volunteer groups).
Find out more about Park Palace Ponies here: http://www.parkpalaceponies.com/
Undertaken as Project Architect at Harrison Stringfellow Architects Ltd.
Images: Willma Works Ltd.
