2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Declan Carey)
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 Historic England’s heritage at risk register, and has had work taking place over the last year after Stockport council spent £250,000 to protect the building. The site was found to be in danger of ‘rapid deterioration’ without urgent action, and the council was initially criticised for delays in carrying out essential fixes.
READ MORE: Stockport’s Metrolink plan to 'move ahead' next year Former conservation director John Fidler said last year that the state of the building was down to "simple neglect” from council bosses . But much of the work externally has been finished, the council said, with rainwater pipes and gutters being replaced, as well as roofing and stonework repairs nearly complete. A modern outbuilding structure has been demolished and scaffolding around the hall is set to come down in December, with the town hall now looking at long-term plans for the site based in Woodbank Park.
Dating back to 1814, the hall has played a key role in Stockport’s history. It was once home to Peter Marsland, an industrialist who established the first mill using steam-powered looms to produce cloth from wool in the 1820s, according to Stockport Heritage Trust. Coun Colin MacAlister, Stockport's regeneration lead, said: “I can assure you that we are looking at the long-term future.
“Early next year, there will be concrete proposals that we can look at to make sure that the long-term future and wellbeing of Woodbank Hall is secure.”.
