As an urban riding centre situated within a predominantly residential area, community and stakeholder engagement has proved key to the scheme development and viability of Park Palace Ponies. As the newest residents of the Dingle, the ponies will share areas of Council owned open space with the community. As one of the five grazing sites, Park Hill Allotment Association will not only welcome the ponies onto their site (in exchange for manure and free grass cutting!), they offered their site up for the Park Palace Ponies Community Open Day held on 24th April 2016.

Harrison Stringfellow Architects along with long time friend and collaborator Placed, developed a programme of events to ensure that visitors and stakeholders were fully informed about the Park Palace Ponies proposals and the Client could obtain valuable feedback on the business model. Visitors also enjoyed a meet and greet with horses Izzy and Clive, a horseshoeing demonstration, planting activities and a ride on our straw bale carousel.

Built in 1893 as a purpose-built music hall by J. H. Havelock-Sutton, the Park Palace of Varieties is a well known and loved local landmark. The building has gone a variety of uses since its entertainment beginnings ranging from a pharmacy, engineering works to a furniture store for a young person’s charity. After a brief return to a theatre use for the 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations, the Client has now sought an alternative use that seeks to enable activities that both animate local communities and offers sustainable education and employment opportunities. Park Palace Ponies has subsequently been borne out of a passion for equestrian pursuits and a commitment to improving accessibility to the sport of riding for children living in Liverpool.