Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Peel Park opened on the former Lark Hill Mansion Estate. In response to Sir Robert Peel’s sudden death, a statue of Peel was installed. This marked the start of the statue collection.
Peel Park stands as a testament to Victorian ambition. It is a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. Peel Park’s story begins long before its official opening in 1846.
Mark Philips MP and Sir Robert Peel championed parks in Salford and Manchester. Both men would have parks named after them in 1846. Seven years of campaigning led Manchester and Salford to set up the Committee for Public Walks Gardens and Playgrounds. A private subscription raised funds. Joshua Major and Son won a competition for the park design.
In 1846, Peel Park opened its gates to the public. It offered a space for recreation, education, and civic pride. The park quickly became a beloved destination.
Queen Victoria visited Peel Park. 80000 people attended. Statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Consort were erected. These additions reflected the Victorian era’s values and ideals.
The River Irwell flooded. An obelisk erected in 1867 recorded the height at 8’6”. In 1876 a second flood height was added at 4’3”. The Royal Technical College opened within Peel Park. It is now the Peel Building. L.S. Lowry studied at the Technical College. Peel Park features in many of his artworks. Salford Art Gallery began its L.S. Lowry collection.
Over the years, Peel Park experienced changes. Lark Hill Mansion was demolished and replaced with a new wing. Victoria Arch was declared unsafe and demolished. Brotherton Cobden and Peel statues were moved into storage. A major redevelopment and landscaping project transformed the park. The Technical School extended eventually becoming the University of Salford. Brotherton and Peel statues were sold to a private collector. The Crescent Conservation Area was designated. It includes the Museum and Art Gallery and Peel Building.
Sculptures were added. These included ‘Fabric of Nature’ and ‘Monument to the third Millennium’. Also Marie Curie ‘Field of Hope’. Peel Park and David Lewis Recreation Ground were added to the Conservation Area.
The University of Salford Masterplan identified major redevelopment around Peel Park. Park works began. The park reopened with a Fire Garden event. Walk the Plank helped deliver this community-themed event. The Friends of Peel Park the local community and Salford City Council supported it.
Members of the Brotherton family helped celebrate the return of the Joseph Brotherton statue. They attended the official opening of the park. It was a great day for the park the local community its funders and partners. It was a proud moment for the Brotherton family. Peel Park was awarded the Green Flag Award.
Today Peel Park continues to evolve. It is a dynamic space. It reflects the changing needs and aspirations of the community it serves. It is home to various events and activities throughout the year. It offers something for everyone. It is a place where history and modernity intertwine. Visitors can explore its heritage.