Hopwood Hall Estate awarded £5,000 grant by Architectural Heritage Fund

Hopwood Hall

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is awarding a £5,000 grant to support the recently launched project to save the 15th century Grade II* Listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton.

The renovation is being led by Hopwood DePree, an actor/producer from Los Angeles and a descendant of the Hopwood Family.

Hopwood Hall has sat vacant for 30 years and is on Historic England’s “At Risk” register.

Matthew McKeague, Chief Executive of AHF said: “This important and very vulnerable building is crying out for help. Sometimes it takes an outsider with a passion to spark the community action that can save a precious asset. AHF is delighted to support Hopwood and the Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate to take their first steps to explore viable future uses”.

Rochdale Borough Council is also providing an additional £5,000. Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Member for Culture at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This grant, which will pay for feasibility studies and community engagement, means that work to try and get this fantastic historic building back in use can really get going in earnest. The council is fully behind Hopwood’s plans and we’re supporting this project by submitting a separate bid to Historic England to help with other elements of the restoration.”

Hopwood DePree says: “The support has been amazing and we are looking forward to working with residents and community groups as well as with Rochdale Council in helping with the overall regeneration of the area.”

“To be officially recognised by such a respected organisation as The AHF is a huge step for the project. We are very excited and grateful for their guidance and advice going forward.”

The ‘Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate’ is the recipient of the grant. This group consists of members of the community who are wedded, together with Hopwood DePree to help save the Hall. Indeed, when Hopwood Hall Estate took part in last month’s ‘Heritage Open Day’ 500 people signed up to be on the waiting list to see it, with many residents then registering interest to help bring the renovation of the Hall to fruition.

A meeting of the ‘Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate’ is planned for 18 November in Middleton to discuss how residents can volunteer or get involved.

Anyone interested in participating can email:

Office@HopwoodHallEstate.co.uk

www.HopwoodHallEstate.co.uk