Rochdale celebrates the people and stories behind Broadfield Park Slopes

Posted by on 15 Oct 2026

The people who helped bring Rochdale’s historic Broadfield Park Slopes back to life were celebrated at a special event at Rochdale Town Hall.
The celebration arranged by Polly Brant, Cultural Engagement officer, brought together volunteers, partners and people who have been involved in the project to recognise what has been achieved and, importantly, the contribution local people have made along the way.
Guests watched a series of films created by Rochdale filmmaker Jack Grindrod and Breaking Barriers, capturing the people, stories, heritage and community involvement behind the transformation.
The evening also featured poetry readings from Alende Amisi, a poet who grew up in Rochdale and was a young poet in residence during Rochdale’s Town of Culture. Passionate about the town and its heritage, Alende brought a personal perspective to an evening which was as much about Rochdale’s people as its history.
A special thank you was also given to the many volunteers who have supported the project, giving their time to archaeological digs, activities and events and helping uncover and share the history of this important part of the town.
The Grade II listed Broadfield Park Slopes sit between Rochdale Town Hall and St Chad’s Church and have been restored through a project delivered by Rochdale Development Agency working with Rochdale Borough Council, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The work has restored the historic Packer Spout Fountain, created a new accessible pathway, improved landscaping, lighting and CCTV, and introduced new heritage interpretation. The lower lawn has also been terraced, creating a natural amphitheatre and new space for activities and events.
Archaeology and community participation have been a major part of the project.
Excavations have uncovered the footings of Charles Kershaw’s 19th century Central Corn Mill, cobbled trackways and the former public weigh station, alongside finds including ceramics, clay smoking pipes, animal bones and glass bottles.
Four archaeological digs have taken place, with the wider programme involving schoolchildren, students, volunteers and members of the public. It has included 28 work placement students, 12 archaeological volunteers and a two year schools programme involving 715 pupils.

Councillor Su Smith portfolio holder for Communities and Co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not just the transformation of the Broadfield Park Slopes, but the people who have made this project so special.
“Our volunteers deserve a huge thank you. They have given their time, enthusiasm and energy to this project and have helped us uncover and share more of Rochdale’s history.
It was fantastic to see those stories captured in the films created by Jack Grindrod and Breaking Barriers, and to hear from Alende Amisi, whose passion for Rochdale and its heritage really reflects what this project is about.
The Slopes have been part of Rochdale for generations. We have protected an important part of our heritage, opened it back up for people to enjoy and, crucially, involved our communities in doing it.”

The Broadfield Park Slopes are now open to the public, creating a restored green space at the heart of Rochdale’s historic town centre.