SOUTHAMPTON’S central parks have been recognised as sites of historical significance by English Heritage.

The organisation has bestowed grade II status on the parks, acknowledging them as important examples of early municipal parks.

The city centre parks dominate the centre of Southampton and are made up of Andrews, Hoglands, Houndwell, Palmerston and Watts parks.

Originally developed in the 1840s and 1850s in a widespread programme of civic improvement works, it is believed their design may have been influenced by JC Loudon, who designed the city’s Old Cemetery.

English Heritage’s report remarks upon the fact that the parks’ layout is virtually unchanged from when they were originally designed, and the fact they contain listed structures such as the Edward Lutyens-designed Cenotaph and the Titanic Engineers Memorial.

Nowadays the parks also contain a mini-golf course, skate park and cricket pitches, and host events such as the Mela and Ejector Seat festivals.

Grade II status will protect the parks from any future development which could “detract from their character or historic value”, including development outside the parks which could affect the setting.

Graham Linecar, secretary of the Southampton Commons and Park Protection Society, said: “Few towns or cities are as fortunate in having a chain of linked parks so close to their central shopping area.

“It’s a huge advantage which we’re inclined to underestimate. The future attractiveness of the city centre depends as much on its central parks as it does on expanding its shopping provision.”