Park to be spruced up in £1.6m makeover

A computerised illustration of how the park could look after sunset

A historic park in Greater Manchester is to be transformed after a £1.6m improvements package was approved.

Grade-II listed Broadfield Park Slopes in the centre of Rochdale is currently seen as dangerous and a "hive of anti-social behaviour", planners said.

An expanded CCTV network and better lighting are planned to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

Councillors approved £879,390 of National Lottery Heritage Funding for the restoration which matched what Rochdale Borough Council have put in, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Pond clean-up

The project, which has been ongoing since 2021, is worth £1,680,471 in total.

The proposals include a new platform for event space with seating as well as new footways lined with trees and plants.

The existing pool area at the top will also be cleaned up and expanded to create an "ecological pond" for use by schools.

The council cabinet's funds approval also led to a green light from the planning team.

An artist's impression of how the new cleaned up pool area could look

Planning papers said: “There has been a keenness for local people to be involved in the upkeep and so areas of existing vegetation have been identified which can be managed by the local community and developed into a coppiced woodland.

"Concerns were raised regarding anti-social behaviour and the design has reacted to that by including more robust design choices.

“Light columns instead of illuminated bollards will be more resistant to vandalism, sight lines have been kept clear to enhance natural surveillance and artwork and interpretation will be built into furniture and surfaces."