Accrington, Broadway Gardens c.1955

More about this scene

The Broadway sunken gardens were constructed in 1952 after the area had been the subject of controvery for some years. Derelict land on both sides of Broadway was screened by wooden hoardings and there were many complaints about this barren and unsightly part of town. The plans were part of a post-war improvement scheme which originated in a town plan produced by Mattocks and Allen, two town planners with visionary ideas. It is sad that not many of their ideas for the rejuvenation of the town centre were ever put into place, mainly because the finance was not available. The River Hyndburn, which flowed through this area, was culverted by the Borough Engineer's Department. By 1958 plans were drawn up to allow the building of shops on the garden.