Project Background
The colliery site consisted of 13 hectares of derelict land, collapsed buildings, spoil heaps, contaminated land and a number of uncapped mineshafts. Ownership of the site was transferred from British Coal Property to Bury Council in October 1997 with a view to reclaiming the land for public open space as part of the wider Outwood Forest Park project.
Project Description
The reclaimed land now provides a main gateway into the 80 hectare Outwood Forest Park and has established a car park, footpaths and the planting of 25,000 trees. The project links with the Outwood Trail, the Irwell Sculpture Trail and the National Cycle Route and is accessed by the recently restored Outwood Viaduct. The Colliery project has been carefully designed on sustainable development principles to provide a quality environment for use by the public, requiring a minimum of maintenance and enhancing wildlife habitat. The Colliery has also provided a site for a major work of art as part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. A number of impressive stone settings by Ulrich Ruckriem up to 8 metres high are now in place.
Project Costs
Costs to complete the reclamation scheme are now approaching a final total of £600,000, and have been funded primarily through the North West Development Agency and the SRB 3 Programme.
Outputs
The project has delivered the following :
- 13 hectares of land reclaimed;
- Major improvements to the Irwell valley;
- Land is now under management for nature conservation/wildlife habitat;
- 25,000 trees planted in line with Red Rose Forest objectives;
- Sustainable development and land recycled in line with Local Agenda 21 Strategy;
- Open space for residents and visitors, linked to the National Cycle Route and the Outwood Trail greenway along access for all principles; and
- The site provides a focal point for major artworks on the Irwell Sculpture Trail.
Progress
The project is now substantially complete. Minor works were undertaken in 2002/3 to deal with any outstanding items relating to establishment or snagging and to improve access within the site. Further development works may be undertaken in the future as the site becomes more widely used as part of the larger Outwood Forest Park Project.
