Historic Rochdale Slopes Restored to Former Glory in Multi-Million Pound Revival

Rochdale, Greater Manchester – A major chapter in Rochdale’s rich history has been brought back to life as the multi-million pound restoration of the Broadfield Park Slopes, behind the town’s iconic Grade I-listed Town Hall, is officially complete.

The project, which has transformed the tired and shabby area into a stunning outdoor space steeped in heritage, will be formally unveiled to the public in a spectacular fashion at the Ignite Fire Festival later this month.

The Slopes, a historic green space that separates the grand Town Hall from the medieval St. Chad’s Church, has been a hive of archaeological and community activity over the spring and summer. The work, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has not only beautified the area but also unearthed layers of the town’s past, including the remains of a Victorian corn mill.

This is more than just a facelift; it’s a resurrection of a forgotten part of our town’s story. The Slopes are now a beautiful, accessible, and functional space that respects its past while providing a fantastic venue for the community for generations to come.

The comprehensive restoration involved a wide range of improvements. The historic Packer Spout fountain, fed by a natural spring, has been meticulously restored, alongside the revival of special decorative Georgian drains and a historic pond. New pathways, landscaping, and planting have made the steep site much more accessible, with new lighting and bespoke benches and railings—co-created with local residents—to be installed soon.

A defining feature of the project has been its deep community involvement. Pupils from local schools, individuals supported by the Petrus Hub—a charity aiding those moving out of homelessness—and volunteers have been integral to its success.

They participated in archaeological digs, uncovering historic treasures, and worked with artists to create benches and etched historical interpretations into the new pathways, ensuring the site’s stories are woven into its very fabric.

Public engagement has been a cornerstone, with regular ‘ask an archaeologist’ sessions and events that are scheduled to continue into 2026.

The redevelopment was delivered by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, with Rochdale-based company Casey Group acting as the principal contractors.

The revival continues with a separate, council-funded project to restore the historic Packer Spout Steps, which run through the site up to St Chad’s Church, due for completion in summer 2026.

The community is invited to celebrate the new chapter for the Slopes at its formal opening during the Ignite Fire Festival, which will feature a torchlit procession through the newly restored landscape as part of Rochdale’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.