Shroggs Park - A Community Led Approach

Shroggs Park - Victorian Splendour

Opening in 1881, Shroggs Park in Lee Mount, Halifax was once a grand example of how wealth and prosperity in Victorian England could be used for the good of the people.

Transformed by Mill owner Edward Akroyd, its woodland paths and open spaces, complete with ponds and ornamental fountains provided the perfect environment for the mill workers to exercise away from the grime and smoke of the chimney-filled streets.

In more recent times, however, the grade II listed park has lacked investment and the neglect has made some residents reluctant to make use of the facility.

In order for Shroggs Park to fulfil its potential and re-establish it as a place locals enjoy being active, community project work is already underway to make it a safe, welcoming space, which is clean and accessible to all.

A community led approach

The Shroggs Park project started with a community-led approach involving the local community, Friends of Shroggs Park Group, North Halifax Partnership (NHP) and Calderdale Council Parks Service.  

North Halifax Partnership has now received a £50k Active Calderdale investment to improve the park. This has been provided to hold on behalf of the community and a wider Delivery Group to support the implementation of a series of improvements to Shroggs. The investment will be spent on a series of short and long-term actions which will improve the park in 4 key areas, these areas are:

• Making it safer & more welcoming.  

• Making it more attractive.

• Improving how accessible the park is for all.  

• Ensuring the delivery of the park, and any improvements are sustainable.  

A cohesive approach to improvements in these areas would achieve a park that feels community-owned, is well used by a diverse range of the community and provides a valuable space that contributes to neighbourhood health and wellbeing.

The main entrance to Shroggs Park

The children's playground at Shroggs Park

An old dried up ornamental pond

An unused water feature

An unmaintained entrance at Shroggs Park

One of the Shroggs Park football pitches

One of the damaged paths at Shroggs Park

Shroggs Skate Ramps

The process 

Workshops were undertaken with community groups and the Friends of Shroggs group to ascertain where the gaps were regarding facilities and need and to highlight the reasons why the park was not often used by the residents. Areas were identified and a proposal was submitted by NHP to request funds to make positive changes within the park. 

As time has progressed further funding has also been identified to enhance and build on the initial Active Calderdale funding to make an even bigger impact on the park. The revenue strands identified so far are:

• Active Calderdale (Sport England) funding £50k – these funds are to improve the park focussing on encouraging residents to become more active within the park. Active spots, sports use, development of chosen areas of the park, potential woodland walk development, accessible signage, and paths. 

• NHP contribution – Community Events, Junior warden scheme 

• Levelling up funds £75k – focussed list of tasks to be completed within the park: benches, crown lift (overgrown Shrubbery management), pavilion, planters, planting, paths. 

A close working relationship will continue between Active Calderdale, NHP and Calderdale Council's Parks service to ensure joined-up and timely delivery. 

What can we achieve?

The Friends of Shroggs Park Delivery group will now take the project forward to make the decisions on how the funds are to be spent. They also plan to hold regular events to gather community thoughts and vision. As part of this approach, the group have already received valuable insights into what the community want to achieve. These community goals include, but are not limited to:

• Shroggs Park getting the care and attention it needs to be a valued community asset. 

• Shroggs being safe, welcoming/accessible, attractive and sustainable. 

• Increased use of the park by the local community. 

• A safe park for all with low levels / no ASB/ crime. 

• Ongoing investment and funding for Shroggs Park. 

• Increased patronage in the park. 

• Making it an attractive area for all. A destination park. 

Active Calderdale will continue to engage with the attendees of this group as we move through the delivery process and try to evaluate if any of these goals are achieved.

Next Steps 

NHP, using the delivery group and funds, will now move forward into the first phase of delivery which includes provisions, such as new bins and benches and a general crown lift in the park. Discussions will also continue into what the remainder of the funds should be focused on, ensuring the community are happy with their park in the short and long term.  

Active Calderdale are excited to be part of the Shroggs Park project and will continue to document the changes that occur over the coming months. Please keep an eye on our blog updates for more news.