Broadfield Park

St Alban's Street
Off Drake Street
Rochdale

Broadfield Park is the oldest park in the borough. It is of great historical interest and a valuable area of green space right in the centre of Rochdale.

The first areas of the park were opened in the early 1870's and many of it's historical Victorian features can still be seen today.

Facilities

• Gardens
• Bowling greens
• Seating
• Cafe at Touchstones Rochdale adjacent to the park
• Toilets at Touchstones Rochdale nearby

Wildlife

Broadfield Park forms a haven for wildlife in the centre of Rochdale, the wild flower area & park support many insect which in turn make valuable food for birds, amphibians and small mammals.

Pond project

The design of the pond today is called a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), because it utilises water from land drains under the park's fields and nearby rooftops and natural spring water from Cant Hill Well, before going into the river Roch.

The original island was removed to increase the water surface area and the reclaimed rocks have been used to create a new bank side habitat.

The pond has been restocked with water plants and divided to create two separate habitats. The walkway across the centre of the pond makes a great 'pond dipping' platform and an excellent viewpoint. It is a valuable watering hole for the parks wildlife and birds and it is possible to see the return of the dragonfly to the park and at night bats catching insects.

The surrounding area is managed as a wildflower meadow to act as a food source and shelter for all manor of insects, amphibians, mammals and birds.

Memorial and features

John Bright

John Bright was a national figure standing up for many progressive causes, like the need to reform Corn Laws. He campaigned against the Crimean War.

Dialect writers memorial

This memorial is in memory of four Rochdale writers who have preserved local dialect for the people of Rochdale in verse and prose.

The Victorian bridge

This fine Victorian bridge was built in 1896, it was restored in 2007 retaining many of it's original parts.

Topography stand

This feature on Flagstaff Hill is a viewpoint 'Toposcope' pointing to many of the surrounding landmarks.

Ashworth statue

Alderman George Leach Ashworth was the driving force behind the building of Rochdale Town Hall. When this statue was erected in 1877 he was the first Rochdalian to receive such an honour.

Bandstand

The bandstand was erected in 1893, it was fully restored in 2005 to the exact original specifications. The Bandstand received a Civic Society Award in 2005.

Co-operative Jubilee fountain

This drinking fountain was donated by the Rochdale Co-Operative for the people of Rochdale in 1907

Glacial boulder

This boulder was originally found at Cowm Top Farm, Castleton and donated to the park. Made of Andecite its origins are the Borrowdale and Coniston areas of the Lake District.