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Sam Ridgway -
8th February 2020
Sam Ridgway -
8th February 2020 News
First look at Heaton Hall’s ‘glittering’ restoration as it prepares to reopen to public
Emily Sergeant
Some new images have been released showing the inside of the historic Heaton Hall as it prepares to reopen to the public after its extensive restoration.
The impressive Grade I-listed property – also known as the jewel of Heaton Park – has been closed to visitors since summer 2025 for ongoing refurbishment to protect it from further deterioration, improve safety, and safeguard the building for future generations.
On top of that, the Orangery building – which is also set to reopen – has been closed since 2012.
The heritage-led programme, undertaken by MC Construction Limited, has followed best practice guidance from Heritage England.
To respect the heritage interior, all rewiring, cabling, and other electrical services like improved Wi-Fi and data infrastructure – all of which forms a significant part of the restoration process to ‘future proof’ the building – have been discreetly routed through existing voids and behind skirtings to avoid visible surface wiring, wherever possible.
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The chandeliers have also been returned to their glittering best following intensive works to ‘refurbish and refresh’ the ornate features as part of the major rewiring programme.
As part of the long-term investment into the estate, Manchester City Council also announced ‘significant’ works to the Orangery, with a vision is to bring the building back into use as a high-quality events and dining venue after being vacant for more than a decade.
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“Heaton Hall is the jewel in the crown of Manchester’s heritage buildings,” commented Cllr Basat Sheikh, who is Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods.
“The Council take its role as custodians of the property seriously and for some years a long-term programme of investment has been underway to protect the building and make sure it is safeguarded and future proofed so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.
“We know how important this building is to many of our residents and we can’t wait to welcome people back inside.”
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Following the rewiring works, Heaton Hall will be prepared to welcome back visitors later this year with tours organised by the Friends of Heaton Hall.
The expert volunteers will take small groups through the property, providing visitors with fascinating historical insights about the hall and the various collections within the property.
More information about the tours will be made available in the coming months.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
Wigan woman jailed after running man over THREE times
Daisy Jackson
A woman in Wigan has been jailed for six years after she ran over a man three times.
Megan Murphy, 26, failed to see Darryl Tomlinson lying in the road, where he had collapsed, because she failed to clear her windscreen and windows of ice.
Despite passers-by calling out to Murphy to try and alert her to the man’s presence, but she was unable to see what they were indicating to through her visibly frozen windows.
She then drove forward, passing over Darryl, 31, before reversing back over him moments later.
Murphy then drove forward again, passing the front wheel of her vehicle over Darryl for a third time and leaving him trapped beneath the driver’s side of the car.
The tragic incident occurred at around 5.47am on Thursday 9 January 2025, with the driver reversing down an alleyway onto Pembroke Road, positioning her vehicle facing against the direction of the one-way street.
Chillingly, after running Darryl over, Murphy then called a friend to ask for help – she said: “I’ve ran him over but it’s a smackhead.”
A witness called an ambulance, who alerted the police.
In this time, she attempted to defrost her car windows while the victim remained trapped beneath her car.
Upon arrival, police officers used a witness’s car jack to free Darryl from beneath the vehicle and began administering CPR, but he was pronounced dead at approximately 6.21am by NWAS.
Megan Murphy was sentenced to six years imprisonment at Bolton Crown Court yesterday, after she pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
CCTV evidence from two days prior to the collision showed Murphy driving the wrong way down the same one-way street, but when questioned by officers, Murphy could not explain why her vehicle was facing the wrong direction.
The court heard Darryl’s family bravely share their victim impact statement.
Darryl’s mum said: “Darryl was my first born, I gave birth to him at 26 weeks weighing only 2lb 4oz, he was so small. I didn’t think he would make it but being the little fighter that he was, he did and overcame all obstacles and became a loving and caring young man.
“Darryl would do anything for anyone and from being able to walk he loved football.
“I struggle to put into words how I feel about losing my son, and all I can say is that I really don’t feel anything anymore since losing Darryl. Whether I go to work or just go out, I try to laugh and joke and put on a brave face but in fact I am just empty inside like something is missing, and that’s Darryl.”
Darryl’s dad said: “The day Darryl was taken from us on 9th Jan 2025, my life changed forever.
“I felt as though I had died inside but as still breathing. My heart had been totally ripped out. You cannot explain the loss of a child unless you have suffered it. It’s a pain and emptiness like nothing you will ever experience.
“I talk to Darryl every single day shedding tears every time. It hasn’t gotten any easier, I’m just learning to live without him as no one ever prepares to lose a child.
Darryl’s brother said: “Where do I start… Never did I think I would have to write a Victim Impact Statement about my brother. Darryl was not just my brother, he was my best friend, my idol, my biggest supporter, and since the day my brother got taken away from me, I feel like he took a piece of me with him.
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“I can’t and never will understand why this person responsible for my brother’s death did not defrost her window and drove the wrong way down a one-way street with no vision.
“To then learn that she made a phone call to a friend claiming, “I’ve ran him over but it’s a smackhead” and not even phoned for an ambulance has hurt me more.”
Detective Constable Carl Boydell from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a truly tragic and entirely avoidable incident that has resulted in the devastating loss of a life.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with Darryl’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with what has happened.
“This outcome reflects just how seriously the courts treat dangerous driving. Motorists have a responsibility to always follow the rules of the road and to ensure their vehicle is safe before setting off.
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“Even in cold weather, taking the time to properly clear windows and ensure full visibility is essential. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot drive safely.”
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Featured image: GMP
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