Vital roof repairs to get underway Hopwood Hall Estate

Work is being undertaken to reroof Hopwood Hall (photo of works in 2020)

Heritage specialist architecture firm Seven Architecture based in Manchester and Restoration Projects Ltd have come on board to work alongside Rochdale Borough Council and Hopwood DePree in the renovation of Hopwood Hall in Middleton.

This work is possible thanks to a grant from Historic England’s Heritage Stimulus Fund, which is part of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund and funding from Rochdale Borough Council.

Hopwood Hall is a Grade II* listed building and is reputed to comprise from the 1420s, incorporating this with 16th,17th, and 18th century fabric with 20th century additions. The careful and expert work required is essential to preserve this historic hall.

Seven Architecture and Restoration Projects Ltd have been appointed to undertake emergency remedial works to the fabric of Hopwood Hall. This is to include large scale reroofing works which include carefully removing the existing stone slates, installing new insulation boarding and renewing all stone fixings, leadwork, fascias and rainwater goods. It also includes large amounts of lime repointing and the removal and replacement of defective timber floors, finishes and structural supports.

Samantha Gill of Seven Architecture says: “The building is currently on the Historic England’s At Risk register and is deemed to be at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric. This phase of works to the Hall is a vital step in trying to protect the building from further dilapidation and to give the building a chance at a future. The key is to ensure the Hall is watertight, carefully removing and replacing rotten material as we go. The challenge with works to any listed building on the ‘ At Risk’ register is carefully balancing the benefit of protecting the building’s future against the potential harm that removing fabric may bring to the building’s significance. It is a fantastic project to work on and it is rewarding to see that the work we are doing will have a positive impact on the building’s future. The works have opened up parts of the building that haven’t been safe to assess for over 20 years.”

Michael J Kemp of Restoration Projects added: “This is a  fantastic opportunity for Restoration Projects Ltd acting as principal contractor to save another at risk Grade II * listed building and we are honoured to assist in the undertaking of these works. Our local specialist team is looking forward to ensuring that this spectacular building receives the craftmanship and dedication to detail that it deserves.”

Charles Smith, Head of Investment North at Historic England, said: “We are pleased to see the plans for the restoration of Hopwood Hall progressing with the appointment of specialist contractors. This is a challenging project, but with such expert help, combined with the energy and commitment of Hopwood DePree and his fabulous local volunteers, we’re looking forward to seeing this historic building fully restored and being brought back into sustainable use.”

Hopwood DePree adds: “I am delighted that these works have been made possible by the grant from Historic England with a contribution from Rochdale Borough Council. Without a watertight building, we could not achieve the goal of a renovated Hopwood Hall Estate as an art and culture hub for the community and beyond.

“This dream is now gradually becoming a reality and I couldn’t be more grateful to all those involved, including the wonderful Hopwood Hall volunteers.”