Second wave of emergency repairs underway at Hopwood Hall

Efforts to save Grade II* listed Hopwood Hall have entered the latest phase of works.

Rosslee Construction has been appointed to work alongside Buttress to deliver the second wave of emergency repairs works to the building. This will involve stabilising the hall and making it wind and watertight, helping to prevent further damage. Debris from collapsed sections of the hall is also being removed.

Hopwood Hall was built in the 16th century and features many items of historic and architectural interest including, Jacobean carvings, an ornate plaster ceiling designed by Edgar Wood and a fireplace thought to have been a gift from Lord Bryon, who was a guest in 1811. The hall has laid empty since the 1980s and is currently listed on Historic England's 'Heritage At Risk' register.

American actor and producer, Hopwood DePree, is a descendant of the Hopwood family, who owned Hopwood Hall for five-hundred years until the early 20th century. It is now owned by Rochdale Borough Council, which is managing and overseeing the emergency repair works.

The council has entered an exclusive agreement with Hopwood DePree, whereby he has the option of acquiring the hall at a future date when he develops a detailed plan which can provide for the preservation and protection of the building.

This phase of work is expected to complete in early 2020 as part of a £276K matching-grant from Historic England and Rochdale Council.

Aerial photo credit: Phill Longley