Hulme Park

Hulme Park is the first large scale new park to have been built in Manchester for over 50 years, and was built in 1999 at a cost of £3 million pounds. This development formed part of the regeneration programme of Hulme and Moss Side.

The park occupies the former site of the notorious residential high-rise Hulme Crescents, and the 4.7 hectares of urban green space which exist there today could not be more different. Local multicultural influences heavily steered the design of the park, identified through significant consultation undertaken within the immediate residential area.

Recreational facilities on offer include an enclosed adventure playground with a Treasure Island theme, a high quality football pitch, a basketball/netball court, a skateboard area with specialist activity equipment, a sunken sensory garden, a granite paved performance area known as Zion Square, and picnic tables.

New investment in 2003 brought more seating and improved landscaping. The park has an extensive pathway network in both a Yorkstone and resin bonded gravel finish, which is lit at night. The landscape is comprised mainly of areas of newly planted trees, an annual meadow and the sensory garden.

Hulme Park is recognised as an example of best practice in park design by CABE Space, the national body dedicated to encouraging excellence in the planning, design, management and maintenance of parks and public space in England's towns and cities.

The site is predominantly used by local residents, students, local football teams, dog walkers and the nearby Zion Centre for recreation and casual sports.

In 2010, Hulme Park was awarded a Green Flag Award for achieving the national standard for parks and green spaces.

Further information:

Read CABE Space's case study of Hulme Park as an illustration of good practice in public space design (external site).