Manchester-based architects Buttress appointed to restore Hopwood Hall

Manchester-based architects Buttress have been appointed to help in the restoration of the Grade-II* listed Hopwood Hall manor.

Emergency works on the hall, which dates back to the 12th century, began last spring, but further structural repairs can now take place after a grant from Historic England, match funded by Rochdale Borough Council.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117695/hopwood-hall-estate-to-receive-%C2%A3276000-repairs-grant-from-historic-england

The campaign to repair the building is being led by actor, director and producer Hopwood DePree, whilst the project will be headed by Grant Prescott, a specialist in conservation architecture.

Hopwood, a direct descendent of the Hopwood family, has an exclusive legal agreement with the council to enable him to have up to five years to rescue the Hall before he assumes full possession of his ancestral home.

Mr Prescott said: “Hopwood Hall is a magnificent building with fascinating stories from many different eras, not least the story of Hopwood DePree coming to live in the UK from LA to save his ancestral home. 

"Sadly, this ancient Hall which dates back to 1426 has been on Historic England’s (HE’s) ‘At Risk Register’ for many years, but now its future looks promising and we are excited to be working with Hopwood and the wider team to help save it. The recent award is a much -needed grant for emergency repairs from Historic England and match-funded by Rochdale Council for a combined total of £276,000."

He added: “In particular, the hall’s ornamental plasterwork and incredible carved joinery offers a fascinating challenge to me as a Conservation Architect and the team.

"However, by adopting a careful and methodical approach, we can ensure that it will remain standing for the different phases of work going forward and can offer a lasting, priceless piece of history for generations to come."

Mr DePree commented: "The partnership with Historic England and Rochdale Council has been wonderful and we are very eager to continue working with Buttress.    

"Grant and his team are enthusiastic and passionate about rescuing Hopwood Hall and we look forward to stabilising the building to ensure it is around for generations to come."

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This appointment is a major step forward for this important project, which the council is helping to fund. 

"We would love to see this fantastic building renovated and put back into use for the benefit of the community, and this painstaking work, which can now get under way, is a really important part of this process.”

Charles Smith, Principal Adviser for Heritage at Risk at Historic England, added: "Repair of a building as important and fragile as Hopwood Hall requires experience and expertise.

"We're pleased that conservation specialists Buttress have been appointed to oversee this work, which will tackle the most urgent repair needs."

The old hall of the ancestral home dates back to feudal days, and still retains many structural and architectural features from the 14th century right until present day.

The original hall was of early timber construction, rebuilt in Tudor brick by John Hopwood during 1687-90.

It was added to and updated over the years as fashions changed. The different styles of windows are a clue to its differing ages.

The original 16th century hall house can still be seen in the roof trusses, screens passage door and bay window, amidst the 17th, 18th and 19th century brick additions.