Memorial Gardens
The Esplanade
Rochdale
Facilities
- Gardens
- Play area
- Seating
History of the gardens
The Memorial Gardens are a key feature of the town centre
landscape. They were commissioned in 1948 as Gardens of Remembrance
and incorporate the impressive Cenotaph designed by architect Sir
Edwin Lutyens, designer of the Cenotaph in London.
Following commission in 1950, the gardens were nominated for a
Festival of Britain Landscape Award for achievement of a high
standard in landscape design. The ravages of time, however, had
taken their toll and the gardens fell into a state of decline. This
decline is currently being reversed through the re-introduction of
quality horticultural features, flowerbeds, sensory garden,
wildlife planting areas, improvements to paved surfaces, benches,
litter bins and lighting.
A play area has also been created on the western side of the
gardens and was designed to fit in with the original purpose and
layout.
Features
The gardens have recently been restored and provide a quality
public green space in the heart of the town centre. They have many
significant features, including formal gardens, sensory
gardens and a new popular children's play area. They provide
an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy urban landscape. They also
provide a link between the listed Victorian Town
Hall, Touchstones Rochdale, the college campus and the main
commercial centre.
The opening times of Touchstones Rochdale can be found at the
link below:
Nature in the gardens
The presence of wildlife in the Memorial Gardens helps to create
a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The bird and animal life
within the gardens is extensive, with many species of common garden
birds. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see a sparrow hawk or
peregrine falcon, which are regularly seen.
Squirrels are to be seen in the gardens and bats frequent the
tree areas in the early evening, feeding on insects. Butterflies
and moths are present and encouraged by the sympathetic plantings
in the herbaceous borders and butterfly beds.
The bird list includes thrushes, tits, finches, owls and
woodpeckers. Many other species are in the area; if you see one,
please let us know and we will add it to out list.
Friends of Rochdale Memorial Gardens
If you would like to become a volunteer member
of Friends of Rochdale Memorial Gardens or for further information,
please contact the helpline.