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BRIEF HISTORY

Created in 1865, Alexandra Park was intended as an oasis for unemployed workers during the cotton famine and was also a place to hang out and debate issues of the day in the speakers corner. By the 1990s youth culture had set up camp and pre-renewal the park had become something of a no-go area. This has all changed today and a new park has risen from the ashes of the old.

TODAY'S PARK

A £3.2 million Heritage Lottery Fund Grant in 2001 however, brought new life and splashes of colour back into the decaying area. Two years work went into its refurbishment which included improvements to the boathouse and the boating lake, new fountains and a restored Edwardian Conservatory. The cafe was tendered out to a private vendor and before long the flowers started to blossom and the trees and edges unfurled once again. New footpaths weaving through the 72 acres of land were created.

The grand opening took place back in May 2004 with two days of concerts, a space-hopper race, circus acts and a health run.

The park now represents a kind of middle ground





in Oldham; a tranquil haven from its pitted history. Renewal complete, all that remains is for the geese and the people to flock back and inject some life into it.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE NEW PARK HERE

And on June 24th and 25th 2006, the park saw the long awaited return of Oldham Carnival to its traditional place after an absence of 7 years. This was followed by the 2007 weekend Carnival.

The park is now managed by Oldham Council who have a team in place under Glen Dale. Glen received the Green Flag Award in 2005 for the work he and his staff had done in making Alexandra Park a jewel in the crown of the town.