Work to restore Middleton’s historic Hopwood Hall has taken another step forward, with another phase of major works to the building’s roof now under way.
Work to restore Middleton’s historic Hopwood Hall has taken another step forward, with another phase of major works to the building’s roof now under way.
A building conservation specialist has been awarded the contract to deliver the work, which will involve painstakingly repairing and restoring the council-owned building’s decaying roof.
The works will bring almost half a million pounds worth of investment into the building, with the council and Historic England jointly funding the £466,000 project.
Oldham-based Maysand will be taking care to ensure the roof is returned to its original appearance, to ensure the valuable heritage of the Grade II-listed building is protected.
In addition, the firm will be carrying out painstaking restoration to the leaded windows, alongside crucial works to downpipes and gutters to ensure the historic asset is fully watertight.
2 new apprenticeships for local people will be created as part of the project and Maysand will also run stonemasonry and stone carving workshops over the summer. A heritage skills programme will also be taking place in the autumn as part of the roof works.
Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said:
“Hopwood Hall is a really important historic asset for Middleton and the wider borough. Over £1.7 million of public money has been invested into this asset in recent years and we are keen to build on this momentum, as we continue to forge a positive future for this Grade II-listed building.
“The roof works are a vital next step in helping to protect and enhance this building’s remarkable heritage, and I’m delighted that a Greater Manchester company has won this contract. As with all our major heritage schemes, there will be ample opportunities for members of the public to get involved and be part of Hopwood Hall’s journey and we will be letting people know about these opportunities in due course.”
Bryn Lisle, owner of Maysand, said:
“We’re proud to be part of the next chapter in Hopwood Hall’s story. It’s a rare privilege to work on a building with such history, and our team is committed to delivering the highest standards of craftsmanship. Projects like this aren’t just about repairs — they’re about preserving heritage and passing these skills on to the next generation."
Peter Barlow, from Historic England, said:
“We're pleased to be supporting this next phase of roof repairs, which are essential for the survival of the hall. The heritage skills opportunities are also great news and will help develop the much-needed expertise needed for Hopwood Hall and other historic buildings we all value so much.”
A feasibility study is also continuing, with a team of national experts, including some who worked on the Rochdale Town Hall restoration, bringing their extensive experience together to determine possible future uses for the building.