Project Background
The Daisyfield railway formation formerly carried the Bolton - Bury - Rochdale line until its abandonment in the 1970's. For many years the legacy of the abandoned railway was seen in dangerous and derelict structures, impassable footways, a disincentive to property investment, and a severely damaging effect on the aspirations of local businesses and residents. From a positive viewpoint the railway formation land and its structures were always seen as being capable of being reclaimed and recycled to provide a greenway and open space which would open up a safe, sustainable route between nearby schools, homes, businesses and Bury town centre.
Project Phasing and Progress
The Greenway links Baron St. to the A58 near Buckingham Drive, and has been implemented in 3 phases. These are:
- Phase One - Baron St. Ramp and Wellington St. Viaduct.
This phase has been funded through assistance by the Pilsworth Environmental Company and Rail Property Limited. Phase One is now complete
- Phase Two - Wellington St. Viaduct to Florence Nightingale Bridge. Comprising cycle path, including ramp connections, structural works, tarmac surfacing, lighting and drainage. Work funded with the assistance of the North West Development Agency and the Countryside Agency. Phase Two is now complete
- Phase Three
This phase was built in May 2000, and was undertaken with assistance from Wainhomes as part of a Section 106 Agreement linked to the development of the former Bolton Road Playing Fields. Phase Three is complete
- The Future
The Unitary Development Plan proposes the extension of the Greenway to the Bolton boundary and opprotunties are being pursued at present to enable this to happen.
Costs and Funding
The total project costs to date £912,000
Contributions:
Pilsworth Environmental Company £229,000
Rail Property Ltd £25,000
Bury MBC £158,000
Countryside Agency £25,000
North West Development Agency £369,000
Wainhomes £106,000
Project Outputs
This project has:
- Reclaimed 7.5 hectares of derelict land on the former Bury-Bolton Railway Formation from Bury Town Centre to Daisyfield.
- Secured environmental improvement and recreational benefits.
- Established a critical length (1.2km) of off road greenway.
- Provided a section of National Cycle Route 6.
- A safe routes to schools pathway linking the schools at Daisyfield to the nearby housing areas in West Bury.
- Provided a multi-user section of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.
