One of the most important parts of Rochdale Memorial Gardens is in line for a makeover, ahead of Remembrance Sunday commemorations later this year.
More than 800 square metres of paving immediately around and behind the Grade I-listed cenotaph will be replaced with high-quality, heritage stone. Extensive repairs to the stone around the sunken gardens will also take place as part of the project.
The work follows the restoration of Town Hall Square and Rochdale Town Hall and will bring the area around the cenotaph up to the same spectacular standard, further enhancing the whole town centre conservation area.
The improvements will also provide a setting fit for the cenotaph, which is one of the most historically significant in the UK, being one of only 8 in England, including the one in Whitehall, London to be designed by the famous late architect, Edwin Lutyens.
Middleton based contractors, Groundwork Landscapes, will be delivering the council-funded project. A specialist from the Salford University Centre for applied archaeology will also be on site throughout the work to ensure that any finds of historical significance which may be discovered under the ground are documented and catalogued.
The memorial gardens will be closed for around 3 months from Monday, 12 August 2024 to enable the work to take place. A path on the far left, which leads to the children’s play area, will remain open, to retain access to the play area and allow people to get from The Esplanade to St Mary’s Gate.
