Rochdale heritage regeneration scheme appoints contractor

The £3m redevelopment of the Grade II-listed Broadfield Park Slopes in Rochdale town centre has taken a major step forward, with the appointment of a local contractor to deliver the scheme.

The Casey Group is set to deliver the project, which will involve the restoration of the historic slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall in the heart of the town centre conservation area.

The site has a fascinating history, with a natural spring feeding the Packer Spout fountain on The Slopes, which helped to spur the industrial development of the town centre area many years ago.

The restoration project will see the fountain and water supply restored, alongside a natural pond which is located further up the slopes. Obelisks close to the fountain will also be repaired, with historic lighting, similar to those which once stood on top of the obelisks, also being installed.

The pathways which run across the site will be repaired and restored, with an additional accessible pathway being created to make Packer Spout accessible for the first time.

New lighting will be installed to make the area more welcoming and a lawn will be created at the bottom with terraced seating to create a natural amphitheatre which could support events and performances at the site.

The project, which is being funded by the council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, also includes a full activity programme, so residents of all ages can get stuck in.

CGI of the completed project

An archaeological dig, which unearthed the remains of a wall and drain thought to date from the 17th or 18th century, has already taken place, and monthly ‘ask an archaeologist’ sessions take place at Rochdale Town Hall.

Projects are also ongoing with local schoolchildren and the Young Archaeologist’s Club, a national club for 8-16-year-olds who want to get hands on with archaeology.

The Casey Group, which is based in Regent Street, Rochdale, has delivered a number of projects across the North West, including Rochdale’s own Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Maclure Road.

Casey will be employing an apprentice as part of the project and creating a number of work placements, which will focus on supporting the long term unemployed. Site tours will also be offered, so residents can get a flavour of what’s happening on site.

Cllr Danny Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Nestled between our recently restored Grade I-listed town hall and the Medieval St Chad’s Church, this area is steeped in history. This fantastic, National Lottery-supported project, will help us uncover even more of our borough’s rich heritage and allow our residents to share in the proud stories of Rochdale’s past.

“Following the extensive restoration of Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the work to transform Town Hall Square and the area around the cenotaph, this is the last piece of the jigsaw.”

Graham Lang, Operations Director at the Casey Group, said: “There’s nothing better than securing a project in your own back yard. Casey love working with our communities, bringing valued spaces and places back into full public use.

“Green spaces, such as Broadfield Slopes, undergo so many evolutionary changes and we are privileged to be part of this next chapter. Casey’s HQ is under three miles away, so this scheme is particularly significant for our 250-strong team.”

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that the restoration of Broadfield Park Slopes has reached a key milestone. We are excited to see the continuation of the heritage-led regeneration of Rochdale, following the revamp of the magnificent town hall, which opened last year.”
Work on site is set to begin in March and is scheduled to complete in autumn this year. The project is being delivered by RDA on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.