A major historical site which is thought to be the key to the early development of Rochdale town centre has been unveiled.
This follows a multi-million pound National Lottery Heritage Fund supported restoration.
Centred around a natural spring, which spurred the early growth of Rochdale, the Broadfield Park Slopes have a fascinating history. Archaeological digs on the site have uncovered the remains of a Victorian corn mill, thought to have been powered by the spring, while a set of historic steps running through the site were once lined with homes populated by Victorian workers.
But the area, which is overlooked by the Medieval St Chad’s Church, had started to show the signs of age in recent years, so the council and Heritage Fund stepped in to fund a major restoration.
The project included restoration of the Packer Spout fountain, which the spring feeds through, while special decorative Georgian drains which run through the site have been brought back to life, alongside a historic pond.
New landscaping and planting and pathways have made the steep, sloped site much more accessible. Lighting has been introduced and benches and decorative railings, co-created with the local community, will soon be installed.
The project has involved the whole community, with pupils from a range of schools, including Broadfield Primary and Rochdale Sixth Form College, getting involved, alongside people who are moving out of homelessness and getting support from the Petrus Hub. They have unearthed historic treasures as part of archaeological digs and helped to create historic interpretation which has been etched into the pathways to tell the story of the site, as well as creating benches with artists. In addition, pupils from Matthew Moss High School have completed a special Design, Engineer and Construct scheme delivered by STEM education specialists, Class of Your Own.
Regular ‘ask an archaeologist’ sessions have also taken place, in addition to a number of public events, which are set to continue into 2026, giving people even more opportunity to get involved.
As well as creating a stunning new outdoor area which is steeped in history, the space will be used for events, and it will be formally opened in spectacular style at the Ignite Fire Festival, which will feature a torchlit procession through the Slopes as part of Rochdale’s Christmas lights switch on celebrations later this month.
Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Borough 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 I 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.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England, north at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re thrilled to have supported the fantastic restoration of Broadfield Park Slopes, thanks to £1m of funding made possible by National Lottery players. We know heritage has the power to further a sense of pride in place for communities and the heritage-led regeneration of Broadfield Park Slopes is a great example. This project complements the recent regeneration of the town hall. It has uncovered aspects of the town’s medieval story and has ensured the Slopes can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come”.
The redevelopment of the Broadfield Park Slopes was delivered by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, with Rochdale-based company, Casey Group, acting as contractors.
A set of historic steps, known as 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, which is due to complete in summer 2026.
Chris Casey, Chief Executive Officer at Casey Group, said:
“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. We take pride in contributing to Rochdale and shaping the town Casey has called home for over 50 years."
Anyone who would like to find out more about activities and events taking place as part of the Broadfield Park Slopes restoration can subscribe to the mailing list by emailing: broadfieldparkslopes@investinrochdale.co.uk or visit Rochdale Town Hall events.
Broadfield Park Slopes – a potted history
- The site has a long, likely dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period and its development reflects Rochdale’s transformation from a medieval agricultural settlement to a post-industrial urban area.
- The Packer Spout, a natural spring, played a vital role in supplying water before large reservoirs were built and supported domestic life, agriculture, manufacturing, and industry.
- The site later became a key thoroughfare and leisure space and by the 18th century, it included pleasure routes and scenic viewpoints.
- During the Industrial Revolution, it housed middle-class and worker housing, reflecting urbanisation and industrialisation.
- Victorian civic efforts reshaped the site, demolishing older buildings to create Rochdale Town Hall and Square.
- Landscaping efforts aimed to create a picturesque setting, with the site becoming a popular leisure area from the 1930s onwards, especially during festive celebrations like Christmas.