Healey Dell Visitors Centre saved

Healey Dell was been nominated for the 'Ten Wonders of Greater Manchester' in 2010

Though most remain unaware, last Friday saw what would have been the permanent closure of the popular Visitors Centre in Healey Dell, leaving the much loved nature reserve without any visitor facilities whatsoever. However, local residents Janice Percy and Philip Barrett, who co- founded the Rochdale voluntary organisation ADPA, have stepped in and have already started work in their efforts to transform the building into what promises to be an attraction in its own right.

The stone built detached building will be re-named The Healey Dell Heritage Centre and will feature a fixed nature/industrial heritage exhibition, a vintage themed tea room where visitors can enjoy traditional cream teas and refreshments, meeting room facilities and dedicated gallery space for use by local artistes and photographers.

Additionally, ADPA's enterprise based projects will be developed and delivered from their new base. ADPA provides local disadvantaged children and young people with free access to a range of inspiring programmes. Until recently, these have been delivered from the MBM Dance Academy in Rochdale. Unfortunately, loud music from adjoining studios rendered the space inappropriate for ADPA's creative arts projects, that's why Philip and Janice set out to seek alternative space where participants can focus within a quiet and peaceful environment.

The decision to commit to this building was not taken lightly explained Janice: "Since learning of the buildings fate we have spent months agonising over sustainable strategies and devising ways to not only keep the building open, but to actually enhance facilities and provisions for the good of the local community and beyond.

"We now have an exciting blueprint in place and anticipate re-opening the doors by Easter.

"We are delighted to inject some positivity into Rochdale and we would love to hear from like-minded business owners and residents who might assist us in our efforts.

"We are actively seeking to increase our volunteer numbers and we are of course desperate for financial support as this costly project remains totally unfunded. In these times of harsh cut-backs, charities face fierce competition when applying for grants or funding.

"We recognise that it would be naive of us to proceed with our plans based on long-term dependency on funding providers.

"Our immediate and most urgent challenge is to refurbish, furnish and re-open the doors. Thereafter we are confident that that project will be financially self-sustaining thanks to the innovative plans we have in place.

"In the meantime, however, in addition to pledging a substantial amount of our own money, we have compiled a mutually beneficial programme for donors and sponsors.

"Our plans will benefit so many, we just hope that others will share our passion and pledge their support in any way they can."

Philip has lived in the nature reserve for the past 12 years. He feels the Council's harsh decision to close the building was nothing short of tragic. "Search 'Healey Dell' and you will discover nearly three million entries pertaining to this jewel in Rochdale's crown, and both national and international tourist and travel portals describe the Healey Dell Nature Reserve as a hidden gem.

"The area enjoyed by our local community, those that travel to the plant and wildlife sanctuary include walkers, ramblers, cyclists, horse riders, nature lovers and historians, not to mention the endless array of schools, associations and clubs.

"A day trip to Healey Dell Nature Reserve is one of the few enriching experiences that individuals, groups and families can enjoy without spending a fortune.

"We will be providing equestrian parking areas, horse/dog drinking water facilities and we plan to install a number of live webcams situated at the rear of the building where bird feeding and nesting activities will be streamed live online and into the building.

"ADPA has already established a working partnership with Hopwood Hall College, meaning many of the centre's activities will serve as a work experience hub and a learning location where students and volunteers will gain valuable training and nationally recognised qualifications.

"We are also in talks with a large number of other potential partner agencies leading towards improving the employment prospects of those within our local community.

"All in all, this is a win-win situation for those visiting the nature reserve and for those involved within our work training and enterprise projects."