Tree works restore Victorian splendour of Broadfield Park

Date published: 10/11/2006

The next step in the restoration of Broadfield Park in Rochdale gets underway this month. Tree felling works will see a number of old, diseased and unsafe trees removed.

The selected trees in the park will be removed to reduce congestion, allowing other trees to thrive and to encourage other plants to grow closer to the ground. For each tree removed a new tree will be planted to develop a mixture of ages amongst the trees.

The parks master plan, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund includes removing trees and redundant shrub borders to return the park to its Victorian design. This work will lead to the park's landscape being more open and safer. The trees need significant work, an integral part of the restoration, after many years of reactive works only.

The £2m Heritage Lottery-funded restoration of Broadfield Park has already seen improved footpaths, and the restoration of the bandstand, drinking fountain and the pond.

Lead Member for Environment amp; Sustainability, Councillor, Wera Hobhouse said: "The transformation of Broadfield Park is a wonderful success story. We appreciate that people may be concerned when trees are removed. Felling older trees and planting new ones allows us to care for the park's appearance and ensure the trees are healthy and safe."

Victorian images of the park show that there were fewer trees and shrubs. A more open aspect will also enhance safety in the park.

Rochdale Council's Environmental Management Service is carrying out the improvements to the park, to a design created by the Landscape Architecture staff of the Impact Partnership.

Background information

Broadfield Park is Rochdale's first public park, dating from the 1870s. It commands splendid views of the town centre's civic quarter, including the Grade I listed town hall, and is set against the backdrop of the Pennines. The park's national importance was confirmed recently when it was included on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. It continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, but some parts of it have fallen into decline.

As part of a programme of works over five years, Rochdale Council is using he Heritage Lottery Fund grant to restore the historic features of the park to their full glory, including the steps, footpaths, railings, gates and walls.

The unique Dialect Poets' Memorial will be repaired and cleaned as part of the project, and the Victoria Bridge and Packer Spout Fountain will be restored. Landscaping in key areas of the park will be improved by an authentic planting scheme based on historical research.