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Gorton Monastery gardens reopen

23/07/2008

Gorton Monastery's cloister gardens have been reopened by former vice lord-lieutenant of Greater Manchester David Wilson following major refurbishment work.

The gardens were restored to their former glory by offenders doing unpaid work as part of their community service and students from Manchester College of Arts and Technology.

Restoration of the gardens follows the multi-million pound restoration of the monastery itself, which is a listed Grade II building.

The reopening ceremony was followed by a celebration dinner in the monastery.

Paul Griffiths, chairman of the Gorton Trust, said the students and the offenders "did a remarkably skilful job" of recreating the Franciscan gardens.

"It is wonderful to see the gardens returned to their former glory and we are very grateful to everyone whose efforts have made it possible," he added.

Meanwhile, housebuilder Gleeson is constructing Gorton Monastery Village, a 4.7-acre development that will boast energy saving appliances.