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 n
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. |
