Peel Park, hidden away behind trees and shrubs, over-shadowed by the buildings of Salford University, is a ‘hidden gem’ known only to the few local regular users. Set out in 1847, paid for by public subscription and one of three of the world’s first municipal parks declared on the same day, Peel Park has seen many changes and it’s gem-like lustre has faded over the years.
The fully constituted Friends of Peel Park is made up of local people who want to see the Park shine again. We have consistently attracted new members but want to get stronger and stronger. The Park deserves the very best of attention and the more of us there are the greater that will be.
After a lot of work over past years, by the Friends and the staff of Salford City Council and its various consultants, the Heritage Lottery Fund announced in June 2015 that the application for a Parks for People Grant was successful. HLF awarded the Council £1.6 million with an additional £0.9 million added from various grants and pots of money that the Council has managed to bring together to make the park “sparkle” once again.
The renovation works are programmed to start on 22 August, 2016 (the 22 August being the park’s original opening date 170 years ago) and be finished in March 2017. Although the site will be fenced off you will be able to watch the work progress.
We have learnt a great deal over our time together as Friends but there is still so much to do.