Anger as park’s historic greenhouse demolished
WORKERS have moved in to demolish a derelict greenhouse in a landmark park.
The greenhouse in Buile Hill Park in Salford was once a focal point in the community, attracting visitors with its tropical plants and mix of wildlife.
It’s thought to have been built in 1928, and has been a feature in the lives of generations of Salfordians who grew up on the streets around the park. But over the years the greenhouse has deteriorated and was left in a poor state, leaving it with an uncertain future.
Campaigners from the Buile Hill Greenhouse Association tried to prevent its loss – a petition set up in February 2023 was signed by nearly 2,000 people, who called for the council to consider restoring it instead.
Salford council paused the planned demolition last year to give the campaigners time to put their case forward.
But by February this year demolition signs were up, showing the end was nigh for Buile Hill Park greenhouse. On April 12, most of the structure had been taken down, and workers were seen removing rubble from around the site.
Jelena Wilson is a volunteer in Buile Hill Park and walks past the greenhouse everyday.
She was born on Lower Seedley Road and said the ‘iconic’ building was an important part of her youth.
She said: “It’s just disgusting. It’s like losing your childhood because I’ve grown up with it. It’s social history too.
“I used to go there when there were birds and tropical plants. They could have kept the framework for plants and a seating area, how nice would that have been.
“It’s been a big part of my life and a lot of people are attached to it. We’ll never see that again.
“It’s nesting season and we’ve always had bats here, but they don’t care, they don’t keep anything.”
The 54-year-old said she asked workers if she could have a piece of wood to keep as a lasting memory, but was told it would be used for new benches.
The demolition is taking place alongside work at Buile Hill Mansion, a grade II listed building next to the greenhouse site.
A £7million project is underway to restore the historic building and create a new base for the council’s registry office staff, part of a commitment made by Salford mayor Paul Dennett.
Buile Hill Park is also grade II listed, and is included on English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.
The park has a long and varied history, once having regular visits from figures including L.S. Lowry and author Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Salford council was contacted for comment.