Radcliffe pupils celebrate opening of revitalised Riverside Gardens park

Children from St John’s CE Primary School joined the Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change to officially open the newly refurbished Riverside Gardens pocket park and play area in the heart of Radcliffe town centre.

The transformation of this urban green space has been made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£208,000), alongside additional funding from Bury Council (£20,000) and a Section 106 contribution (£13,000) linked to the new housing development scheme at School Street.

Pocket parks are small parks designed for use in public spaces around urban areas. They create inviting outside spaces for residents and the community to use.

Located adjacent to the River Irwell, just off Stand Lane, the upgraded park now features:

• Improved accessibility with new paving throughout
• Enhanced sight lines across the site and towards the river
• Low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly planting to support biodiversity
• New sensory and interactive play equipment for children aged up to 12 years
• Picnic tables and seating areas for families and visitors

The improvements reflect ideas and feedback gathered from the local community at workshops held during 2023 and 2024, ensuring the space meets the needs of Radcliffe residents. The scheme plans were designed by Planit and the contractor was Horticon Ltd.

This investment complements the wider regeneration of Radcliffe town centre, including the nearby development of the Radcliffe Hub - to provide a new leisure centre, library and wellbeing services - and Radcliffe Enterprise Centre which will provide business support services to help small businesses start up and grow.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, said: “Our ambitious plans for Radcliffe are taking shape, with visible progress in bringing new services, homes and amenities into the heart of the town. This new park is a great example of the positive changes underway and just one of many more improvements coming to Radcliffe.”

Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “Green spaces are known to support mental wellbeing, encourage social connection, and help make town centres a more welcoming and balanced place for everyone.

“The new Riverside Gardens offer a much-needed green retreat in the heart of Radcliffe. In an urban environment, spaces like this provide a calming escape - a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature and I hope the people of Radcliffe enjoy their new park for many years to come."

Across the borough, Bury is proud to maintain 15 Green Flag sites – 13 parks and two cemeteries – recognised for their high standards and accessibility. With 15 awards, Bury has the most Green Flag sites in Greater Manchester and is among the highest in the Northwest.

Residents interested in supporting their local parks and green spaces can find out more and get involved at www.bury.gov.uk/getinvolved

For more information about Bury’s parks and open spaces visit www.bury.gov.uk/parks