The rectangular site that is now known by all as Hallam Coronation Gardens was originally the property of Alderman Ephram Hallam, the owner of Hallam Mill (originally named Heaviley Mill) which was built in 1860.

The land was gifted to the Council for public use by the trustee’s of the late Alderman Hallam to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Funding to lay out a formal park proved difficult to obtain and it was not until 1902 that the park, known then as Heaviley Recreation Ground, was opened by Alderman Hallam’s wife.

In 1953, the land was renamed Hallam Coronation Gardens to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth on 2nd June of that year, in a ceremony led by the Mayor, chairman of the Parks Committee, the Town Clerk and Superintendent.

In 2001 the park was identified as a site for improvement as part of a ‘Grot Spot’ survey that was undertaken by Groundwork, local residents and Stockport Metropolitan Council. A Community Environment Action Plan was developed and the renovation of Hallam Coronation Gardens was included in the programme of work for the Shaw Heath Renewal Area. As part of this consultation process, the Friends of Hallam Gardens Group was established.

In 2005 the newly formed Friends of Hallam Gardens hosted an event to mark the official ‘re-opening’ of the gardens after their extensive regeneration and every year since has hosted annual ‘fun day’ to celebrate and commemorate the new improved gardens.

If anyone can add any more detailed information to our history or has any personal stories to share about the history of the park, then please get in touch.

To see more fascinating images of the area from days gone by, see the gallery.