Eco Streets brings new life to Syddall Street Alleyway

An alleyway in Hyde has been transformed into a vibrant, community‑led green space as part of a new Eco Streets project, co‑funded through Pride in Place.

Residents living along the rear of Syddall Street have been working alongside environmental charity Groundwork Greater Manchester to reimagine their shared alleyway, which has previously been neglected. The project aims to create a welcoming, sustainable space that encourages community activity and strengthens neighbourhood connections.

Over recent weeks, Groundwork Greater Manchester has engaged with the community to ensure residents had the chance to share their ideas through surveys and pop‑up workshops. Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare supported the process by providing interpretation for residents who do not speak English, helping ensure the project is truly inclusive and represents the whole community.

Residents have taken part in creative sessions where they made personalised number tiles and began preparing seedlings to plant in the new flower beds. Many have even discussed organising seedling swaps over their garden walls, showing how the project is already helping to build relationships between neighbours.

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

A celebration of the completed Eco Street, requested by residents took place last week, during the school holidays.

Emma Varnam, Assistant Director of Environment Housing & Estates, 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.”

Eco Streets aims to bring people together and create healthier, greener spaces for all residents to enjoy.