Stunning pictures show proposals to revamp historic Greater Manchester slopes currently deemed 'dangerous'

Stunning pictures have shown how the new Broadfield Park Slopes in Rochdale could look following a huge overhaul.

The historic slopes, which form part of the Grade-II listed park which runs behind the town hall, are currently seen as ‘dangerous’ and a ‘hive of anti-social behaviour’. The council’s public consultation found that people think the area is unsafe – and regeneration plans are aiming to change that.

A new platform to be used as an event space with seating will become a central piece in the revamp which will also feature safer and more accessible paths.

The new footways would be lined with new trees and planters designed to spruce up the area going towards the historic Packer Spout feature. The existing pool at the top will be cleaned up and expanded to create an ecological pond which can be used by the local school and community for education. 

The existing drainage channel will be cleaned up and restored with stone edging to visually demonstrate the water link between the pond and Packer Spout. Better lighting and an expanded CCTV network are also included in order to deter crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Planning papers read: “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. The feature curved wall in Packer Spout has been retained. 

“A new feature tree will be planted to recreate this focal point from Town Hall Square, as local people had strong memories of taking photos by the tree that was once located here. 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. The existing CCTV network will be extended to cover the main area of Broadfield Slopes to provide further deterrent.”

There are additional plans to repair and refurbish the Grade-II listed Market Cross within the St Chad’s Gardens area of the park. Broadfield Park Slopes are situated on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The identified zone of Rochdale Town Centre’s Conservation Area is entered as ‘very bad’ condition, but with a trend for improving, the masterplan is looking to put it back on the right path.

The plans submitted by Rochdale Development Agency will need to be reviewed by Rochdale Council before they can be decided on.