New community space created in Langley

Local residents and a range of organisations united to create a true community space that will be used to bring together residents of all ages to learn, socialise and network.

Langley Community Leisure Garden has been created as a base for communal food growing, community training, events and a way to bridge the gap between the younger and older generations.

The large site boasts planters, multi-purpose raised decking, car parking, a wheel-chair friendly path, storage container and even a large polytunnel.  

Situated in the heart of the Langley estate near Middleton, the site was previously an unused piece of land that had been left to overgrow since its prior use as an allotment site more than 10 years ago. The site will now be used by many people including groups that represent young people, the elderly, those with disabilities and those recovering from illnesses.

A steering group called Langley Community Leisure Garden Group was created with representatives from Burnside Community Centre, Cardinal Langley School, Children and Families Team (Middleton), Demesne Community Centre, Langley Environment Group, Langely Theatre Workshop, Pride Media, Riverside and STATUS4ALL.

Sue Smith, Secretary of Langley Community Leisure Garden Group, said: “In 2011 STATUS 4 ALL received funding from The Fair Share fund for the nipped in the bud project. Whilst working on this project a piece of land was identified to be used as a community space where people from the whole community can work rest and play, the project coordinator Terry Smith then helped to set up a group and this was called The Langley Community Leisure Garden Group.”

The Langley Community Leisure Garden Group carried out a public consultation and have worked alongside the landscape architect to create the plan for the site. The group also secured £10,000 from Housing Market Renewal to clear and level the land prior to any work taking place.

The work was funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme and designed and managed by The Langley Community Leisure Garden Group and Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

Ian Mansfield, Landscape Architect at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, added: “It has been great to be involved with a project to revitalise a derelict area once used for growing and to provide a resource and an environment, which is a significant community asset. I hope it becomes a source of enjoyment, social interaction and personal development for many people on the estate.”