Refurbishment of the Slopes Behind Rochdale Town Hall
As part of the continued regeneration of Rochdale’s historic town centre, the Broadfield Park Slopes — the green space immediately behind the iconic Rochdale Town Hall — have been transformed into an accessible, attractive and historically rich landscape setting for residents and visitors alike.
Work on this Grade II-listed site began in March 2025, with a comprehensive programme to restore historic features and enhance public usability. The area, nestled between the Town Hall and St Chad’s Church, was previously underused and difficult to navigate. The refurbishment has breathed new life into this once-neglected hillside, creating a vibrant link within the town centre conservation area.
Key elements of the project include the restoration of the Packer Spout fountain and historic pond, reinstating these heritage water features that reflect the site’s medieval significance. New accessible pathways, improved lighting and CCTV, terraced seating and public lawns have been introduced to make the slopes safer, more welcoming and suitable for community events.
The landscaping includes new biodiversity-friendly planting and interpretation areas that highlight archaeological discoveries and the long-standing importance of the slopes in Rochdale’s development. An archaeological programme accompanying the works unearthed evidence of historic structures, linking the space to centuries of local history.
After several months of construction, the Broadfield Park Slopes were officially unveiled in late 2025, providing a striking and revitalised backdrop to the Town Hall and broadening the town’s programme of heritage and community spaces. This refurbishment complements the recent Town Hall restoration and the new Town Hall Square, reinforcing Rochdale’s pride of place and supporting our In Bloom goals of enhancing green space, accessibility and community engagement.