Alexandra Conservatory, Alexandra Park, Oldham

Originally built at a cost of £1,500 - including plants - the Alexandra Conservatory was officially opened on Tuesday 2 July 1907, by Cllr J Ashworth, Chairman of the Parks and Cemeteries Committee and the Mayor of Oldham, Dr Gourley.

At a time when a large proportion of the people of Oldham did not have access to the greenspace necessary to enjoy their leisure time and improve their mental health, the Conservatory was one of the Park’s principal and most popular attractions where the Council also grew many exotic specimen plants to educate and inform visitors.

The works were undertaken in two phases and included significant repairs to the timber structure, renewal of areas of the roof glazing including bespoke curved glass panels, and a complete overhaul of the original Messenger greenhouse window opening mechanisms.