Press Releases

March 10 2006

The Medlock Valley secures £2 million of funding

The Medlock Valley in east Manchester, a 225 acre (90 hectare) area of public open space alongside the River Medlock, is to receive nearly £2 million of funding.  This includes a £1.7 million grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) for a three year programme of work that will enhance the whole Medlock Valley including Clayton Vale and Philips Park, the first municipal park in the world.

The historic packhorse bridge will be restored and made safer and more secure and the main footpath along the river will be resurfaced and enhanced to create the Medlock Valley Way which will eventually join up and create a complete pedestrian and cycle route from the city centre to the border with Droylsden.  

In the first year, major improvements will include replacement of fencing, park entrances made more welcoming and shrubs cut back. Future years will see major improvements to other entrances, perimeter fencing, footpaths and site management. In addition, signage, visitor information, newsletters and a full events programme will help to encourage more people to visit the area.

Sean McGonigle, East Manchester New Deal for Communities Co-ordinator said: "The work will ensure that this important piece of open space becomes the green lung of east Manchester, creating a high quality leisure facility and significantly enhancing the environment. The Medlock Valley is one of Manchester's best kept secrets. This funding will have a dramatic impact on this unique area of urban green space, benefiting local communities and attracting visitors. Located on the edge of the city centre, we want to ensure that the tranquil nature of this delightful part of east Manchester is maintained, while making it more accessible for everyone."  

Councillor Mark Hackett, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Culture an Leisure said: "We are proud of the progress made across the City on the various River Valley projects and the Medlock Valley open space is an important link to the city centre, Philips Park and the Clayton Vale. It is our aim, over the next three years to increase the number of sties in the city with Nature Reserve status and the Medlock Valley initiative will present further opportunities in this regard."

Maurice Gubbins, NWDA Area Manager for Greater Manchester, said: "The NWDA is pleased to support this important project. Improving the quality of the region's public spaces plays an important part in regeneration, enhancing quality of life for local people and projecting a positive image of the region. This project presents a valuable opportunity to develop a unique asset for East Manchester that will not only provide a high quality facility for local people to enjoy, but will boost the local economy through encouraging visitors to the area."