The Royal Horticultural Society has unveiled plans to create a spectacular new garden on the site of Worsley New Hall in Salford.
The garden will be the fifth of its kind in the country, with the four others occupying spaces in Surrey, Devon, Essex and Yorkshire and currently recording record growth with a combined audience of 1.76 million visitors a year.
The site forms part of the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater’s estate and will be named Garden Bridgewater in honour of the Duke.
The 156 acre RHS Garden Bridgewater will be created by bringing back to life historic grounds at Worsley New Hall! pic.twitter.com/GHD2QEUvSx
— The RHS (@The_RHS) October 22, 2015
RHS Director General Sue Biggs said Salford appealed to the charity as an ideal location to launch their fifth garden and believes the city will benefit greatly for playing host.
“With its beautiful landscapes, good public transport links and outstanding location, Worsley New Hall was an opportunity we couldn’t miss,” she said.
“[The garden] will bring beauty, knowledge, social cohesion, health and well-being, employment and enjoyment to millions more people within Salford, Greater Manchester and the surrounding regions.”
The development is set to open in 2019 and is part of the RHS’ ten-year £100+million investment programme intending to make the UK a more green and striking place.
Project Garden Bridgewater will also involve the construction of a new Learning Centre, which will be accessible to schools, enabling thousands of schoolchildren to widen their knowledge of horticulture.
The announcement comes in a year when the RHS has enjoyed record visits to its gardens and it is hoped the Salford development will continue this success by welcoming 1million visitors a year within a decade of its opening.
The investment comes during a period of substantial growth for the Salford, with it recording the fasting growing population and economy outside London.
Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “The RHS’ commitment to deliver this ambitious project is testimony to the city’s continued transformation and I am proud to say that Salford is growing.
“The RHS Garden Bridgewater will bring further long-term investment and commitment which will generate hundreds of new jobs and create considerable educational, volunteering and community engagement opportunities.”
Image courtesy of University of Salford, with thanks.
