Rochdale Town Centre wins gold at national Britain in Bloom awards

Rochdale Town Centre has been awarded gold at the Royal Horticultural Society’s 60th annual Britain in Bloom competition, confirming its status as one of the UK’s best town centres.

This year, volunteers from Rochdale in Bloom represented the North West in two categories: Rochdale Town Centre in the Town & City Centre category, and Spotland & Falinge in the Urban Community category.

The Britain in Bloom awards ceremony took place on 21 October at Old Trafford, where Rochdale Town Centre scooped the prestigious gold award. In the tightly contested Urban Community category, Spotland & Falinge earned a silver gilt award.

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society visited the town centre in August, and were immediately captivated by the heritage restoration of Rochdale Town Hall, the vibrant and colorful floral displays throughout the Bailie Street Quarter, and the deep commitment to community, local heritage, and environmental care visible throughout the area.

Rochdale in Bloom volunteer, Councillor Phil Massey, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of this town and the over one hundred volunteers, gardeners, council officers, and amazing local businesses that have come together to earn this gold award. The award stands as a testament to our community’s passion and commitment to making Rochdale a greener, more beautiful place to live, work, and visit. We officially have one of the best town centres in the UK!”

Sarah Galvin, RHS head of national community programmes, said: “Over the past six decades, Britain in Bloom has evolved from what many saw as a rural hanging basket competition to a major socio-environmental campaign that is improving villages, towns, and cities across the UK.”

 

 

Rochdale Town Centre excelled in two critical judging criteria: environmental commitment and community engagement, impressing judges with innovative climate-friendly initiatives and a strong sense of community building. The Town Hall’s new heat pump technology, and future heat network plans, combined with the insulating sedum roof, and rainwater harvesting at the council's Number One Riverside building exemplify Rochdale’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions. Projects like the reopening of the River Roch, which created new wildlife habitats, the Peregrine Falcon program and future plans for Broadfield Slopes further underscored Rochdale’s dedication to biodiversity.

The Rochdale in Bloom Community Remembrance Garden was a highlight of the tour, as was the staff garden on the rooftop of Number 1 Riverside. More than 150 planters, maintained by the Rochdale Town Centre BID, and an additional 20 hanging baskets sponsored by local businesses added color and vibrancy across the area. Judges also praised the integration of public transport into the heart of Rochdale Town Centre, as well as the creation of large open spaces at the Town Hall Square, which hosts community events like artisan markets and the Feel Good Festival.

The willingness of volunteers, businesses and Rochdale Council to work together cooperatively meant that ambitious plans were being delivered, and judges were thrilled to see Rochdale’s heritage woven into the planting and community art installations.

 

 

Roy Down, chair of Rochdale in Bloom, said: “It’s been an amazing year for Rochdale in Bloom. Having two entries in the national competition has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. Showcasing our historic Town Centre and the rich community spirit of Spotland and Falinge on a national stage has been fantastic. We had an incredible mix of environmental and community projects, and collectively, they were all outstanding.”

In Spotland and Falinge, the judges visited various community projects, including the Golden Mosque, St. Edmund’s Church, New Pioneers, Alice Ingham Court, Stoney Hill Meadow, Caldershaw Green, and Denehurst Park. They described Rochdale’s community spirit as the most inspiring they had ever seen, filled with friendship and love.

Rochdale in Bloom has now achieved three gold awards and one silver gilt in the national competition havign previously received a gold in 2018 in the Small City category and a gold in 2022 as well as being named the winner of the category that year.

Next week the North West in Bloom results will be announced, where 60 ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ community projects and the Rochdale In Bloom entries into the competition categories will learn what they’ve won.

The team at Rochdale In Bllom is looking for more volunteers to join them in making Rochdale a greener, more vibrant place for everyone. Visit the Rochdale in Bloom website, or social media links to get involved.