Residents challenge Manor Park redevelopment plans 

Glossop residents are voicing growing frustration at High Peak Borough Council’s plans to redevelop the sports and free play area in Manor Park.

Many are warning that the proposals could strip away some of the town’s only free sports facilities at a time when demand is rising. 

The project, scheduled to begin in spring 2026, would see the ageing tennis courts and sports surfaces removed and replaced with what the council describes as an “inclusive, multi-use community hub.” Officials say the new design will encourage play, movement and wellbeing across all age groups, particularly for people who feel excluded from traditional sports. 

According to the council, the tennis courts have simply reached the end of their life after more than 25 years of use. Cracked surfaces, worn fencing and limited functionality mean the area no longer meets the needs of today’s community. 

The vision is to transform the space into a hub for movement, play and connection, with freeform zones, social seating and accessible features designed to encourage everyday activity. The council states this is not about removing activity but multiplying it - opening the park up to far more people and supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. 

The proposals are framed as part of both the Move More High Peak Strategy and the High Peak Parks Strategy, which set out the need for parks that are safe, welcoming and accessible for all ages and abilities. Research underpinning the project suggests that while tennis and other formal sports appeal to a relatively small, already active group, many residents - particularly girls, older adults, disabled people and those who feel excluded from sport - need more flexible, inviting spaces. 

However local people argue the project risks doing the opposite - replacing the vital, flexible sports courts with a smaller, shared area that could leave basketball players, footballers and tennis users competing for limited space. 

Among those leading calls to rethink the plans is Andrew Cornner, owner of Glossop Military Fitness, who has paid to run classes in Manor Park for nearly 13 years. Andrew, who also uses the courts with his two sons, said that Glossop’s growing population needs more sports provision, not less. He suggested that outdoor gym equipment, teen seating and other features in the plans should be located in underused areas of the park, such as near the 5-a-side pitch or the next to the mini-golf where there is already a picnic area, instead of displacing the existing sports courts.  

He explained “The plans to improve the park facilities and make it a more accessible place for everyone are fantastic. However, this can’t come at a cost to grassroots sports access. Losing the one and only full-sized sports court in Glossopdale would be a huge loss. The new plans can be adapted and fitted in around the surrounding area to the courts and as a result no one will lose out and a new, fully functional area will be created.” 

These concerns are echoed by another key stakeholder who welcomed investment but warned the plans risk undoing years of progress in encouraging physical activity: “It’s wonderful that the Council are putting so much investment into our park facilities, and the ambition of the project is fantastic. But the area they’ve allocated is already well used. If it no longer works for existing users they will stop coming, and it’s very easy for people to fall out of habit if things become difficult. 

“Glossop has a really well-developed network of basketball teams, which is steadily growing. The courts in Manor Park are the only full-size basketball courts available for free in Glossopdale, as are the tennis courts. By removing that space, the council is actually taking away inclusivity and accessibility. 

“I’d like to see the basketball and tennis courts kept and refurbished, not removed. There is a large unused area near the bowling green that used to be a putting green, which already has picnic benches - they could look at repurposing that instead.” 

Other residents also pointed to the lack of alternatives. One parent explained: “Last summer, I took my son to play tennis before work in the mornings, and the courts were in constant use when the nets are up. We haven’t been able to play at all this summer as the nets were taken away. I did enquire about joining the tennis club but even with two of us working the fees were too expensive. I hope they’ll reconsider keeping the tennis courts available for everyone in the community.” 

Other users of the park said: 

“It seems ridiculous to reduce the size of the area used for active recreation in order to create a hangout space. There are plenty of areas of the park where youngsters already hang out. The current courts allow both for full size tennis and basketball to occur simultaneously, or for a variety of activities requiring reasonable space. Proper resurfacing of the existing courts would be both cheaper and result in more flexible use arrangements than the new plans.” 

“I love the investment and support it strongly, but the design is trying to cater for too many groups in too small a space. We should be expanding provision, not reducing it. Make it bigger - don’t replace what already works.” 

Several residents said the consultation felt rushed and superficial, with some believing the design is “already a done deal.” One described the process as “too late to change anything,” while another said it was “disappointing” that the external consultants were not from Glossop and lacked local knowledge. 

The Glossop Chronicle contacted High Peak Borough Council who provided the following press release: 

“Innovative designs for a new community-led welcoming, inclusive area for everyone to enjoy in Glossop’s Manor Park have been revealed. 

High Peak Borough Council has already installed new play equipment in the toddler play area and replaced some of the items in the play area used by older children. Next on the agenda is the development of an area aimed primarily at teenagers and adults to complement the existing provision in the park. 

Plans for the area currently occupied by tennis and basketball courts and football space, include open, accessible amenities that encourage multi-generational use and support movement, mental wellbeing and social connection. Improving the green space, known as the 5-a-side pitch, is also being considered. 

The Council is currently sharing the ideas and seeking the views of the local community and those who use the park. 

The designs have been developed following two years of community engagement and extensive research and are sensitive to the fact that this redevelopment is in a public park and not a more formal sports centre or venue. 

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “Manor Park is one of High Peak’s most cherished green spaces, a place where people of all ages can unwind, get active and connect with nature.  

“It’s a vital part of our community’s wellbeing, and that’s why this Council has made it a priority to invest in protecting and enhancing spaces like this across our borough. We’re building on the improvements already made at Manor Park with a bold and inclusive vision for a new multi-use area – designed to be accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for movement, play and community activity. 

“These proposals are the result of thoughtful research and collaboration, and we have been excited to share them with residents and hear what they think. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of this space.  

“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views so far. Every comment will be carefully considered before any final decisions are made, and we’ll be coming back to the community again before any work begins on site.” 

With construction pencilled in for spring 2026, residents are urging the council to pause, listen, and rethink. For frequent users like Andrew Cornner, the message is clear: 

“Fresh air and open, accessible outdoor spaces are so important. Please make an effort to contact the council and tell them how important this area is and let’s save our valuable sports space.” 

You can share your thoughts about the plans at: www.movemorehighpeak.kakou.org.uk/