Neglected Hyde alleyway turned into vibrant community green space

A once-neglected alleyway in Hyde has been transformed into a vibrant, community-led green space thanks to a new Eco Streets project co-funded through Pride in Place.

Residents living along the rear of Syddall Street have worked in partnership with Groundwork Greater Manchester to reimagine their shared alleyway, turning it into a welcoming and sustainable environment. The initiative set out not only to improve the physical space but also to strengthen community ties and encourage greater neighbourhood interaction.

In the lead-up to the transformation, Groundwork Greater Manchester engaged closely with residents through surveys and pop-up workshops, ensuring local voices were central to the design. Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare played a key role in making the process inclusive by providing interpretation support for residents who do not speak English, helping ensure everyone could contribute their ideas.

Community members have been actively involved throughout the project, taking part in creative sessions where they crafted personalised number tiles and prepared seedlings for planting in newly installed flower beds. The initiative has already begun to foster stronger neighbourly connections, with some residents even discussing seedling swaps over their garden walls.

Now complete, the Eco Street offers a shared green corridor where residents can relax, grow plants and take part in activities. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills through sessions focused on planting, recycling, waste disposal and general maintenance. The project directly supports local priorities of creating cleaner, greener and more connected neighbourhoods.

A celebration event, requested by residents, took place last week during the school holidays to mark the completion of the project.

Speaking about the initiative, Emma Varnam said: “It’s fantastic to see neighbours coming together to transform a neglected space into something with community spirit at the heart of it. The enthusiasm from residents on Syddall Street shows just how powerful community-led projects can be in strengthening local pride and improving our neighbourhoods.”