Plans are being made for the future of a historic hall in Stockport which has been repaired after years of “neglect”.
Grade II listed Woodbank Hall is on the Historic England Register and was renovated last year after Stockport City Council spent £250,000 protecting the building.
The site was found to be at risk of “rapid deterioration” without urgent action and the council was initially criticized for delays in carrying out key repairs.
Former heritage director John Fidler said last year the building's condition was due to “simple neglect” by councilors.
However, much of the external work has been completed, the council said. The stormwater pipes and gutters have been replaced and the roof and masonry repairs are almost complete.
Woodbank Hall as it looked before repairs earlier this year (Image – LDRS)
A modern outbuilding has been demolished and the scaffolding around the hall is due to be dismantled in December. City Hall is now considering long-term plans for the Woodbank Park site.
The hall dates from 1814 and played a key role in Stockport's history.
According to the Stockport Heritage Trust, it was once the home of Peter Marsland, an industrialist who founded the first mill with steam-powered looms to make cloth from wool in the 1820s.
Cllr Colin MacAlister, Stockport’s regeneration director, said: “I can assure you we are looking to the long-term future.”
“There will be concrete proposals early next year that we can consider to ensure the long-term future and wellbeing of Woodbank Hall is secured.”
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