A rash of signs at Hardy Farm, Chorlton

Image: © Phil Champion Taken: 18 Dec 2011

This is the view from the very end of Hardy Lane, at the entrance to Hardy Farm. The extension of the Metrolink tram network towards Manchester Airport will be routed down Hardy Lane and a site compound had already been constructed just beyond the former pavilion building. Most of the signs seen here relate to the construction project. In the late 1960s or early 70s UMIST reclaimed low lying land alongside the river Mersey and created the Hardy Farm Sports Ground. The pavilion can just be seen peeking out above the fencing. However later subsidence caused the sports pitches to be abandoned. The University later sold much of the land to West Didsbury and Chorlton Grounds Ltd who applied for permission to develop the site, creating a number of grass and astroturf pitches, with associated floodlighting etc. This application was withdrawn. In early 2011 Christian organisation Betel of Britain gained planning consent to convert the pavilion to a residential training centre. They have also announced plans for the management of the rest of the Upper Hardy Farm site which, whilst involving restoration of the playing fields, appears to be rather more sensitive and take into account the biological importance of the site and allow for continued informal public access.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0