Casey completes Rochdale’s £1.7m Broadfield Park Slopes

The grade two-listed sloping park that lies between the Town Hall, Church Steps, and the Church of St Chad in Rochdale, has been subject to a landscape redesign to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Casey Group won the delivery contract for the scheme while Rochdale Development Agency managed the project, designed by Donald Insall Architects and Gillespies.

The landscaping and planting work has created new pathways, making the steep site more accessible, while lighting and community-created benches and decorative railings have been added.

Broadfield Park Slopes can now be opened up to community events, several of which are already scheduled.

The park is centred around a natural spring that was central to Rochdale’s early development as a medieval settlement and its transition to an industrial town.

Underneath, archaeologists have discovered a range of treasures, including the remains of a Victorian corn mill, thought to be powered by the spring.

The project included the restoration of the Packer Spout fountain and the surrounding decorative Georgian drains.

Cllr Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Council, said: “I’m delighted to see yet another part of our incredible local history being uncovered and celebrated for all to see and enjoy.

“This whole area is rich in heritage sites, which we have restored in recent years, with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Sitting alongside the recently restored grade one-listed Rochdale Town Hall and the new Town Hall Square, the Broadfield Park Slopes are now ready to play their part in this incredible historic quarter in the heart of Rochdale town centre.”

Rochdale Council accepted £879,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the scheme’s development in 2024.

The Packer Spout Steps, which run through the site and lead up to St Chad’s Church, are being restored in a separate council-funded project, due for a summer 2026 completion.

Chris Casey, chief executive officer at Casey Group, added: “Winning the bid to deliver Broadfield Park Slopes was a significant celebration for the business.

“While we work in all the Greater Manchester boroughs, there’s nothing quite like making an impact in our hometown.

“We are proud to have delivered a project with such historical significance and of contributing to Rochdale and shaping the town Casey has called home for over 50 years.”