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Wythenshawe Hall to reopen this week after major £6 million restoration project
It's the first time the Grade II-listed hall has been open to the public since an arson attack caused significant damage in 2016.
Emily Sergeant -
5th September 2022 Wythenshawe Hall is to reopen to the public this week after a highly-anticipated restoration project has officially been completed.
The long-awaited repairs to the Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed historic house – which stands proud in the heart of Wythenshawe Park – come after it was forced to close due to an arson attack back in 2016, but Manchester City Council and Conlon Construction have since undertaken “extensive refurbishment works” costing over £6.7 million to “consolidate the damage”.
Work was carried out to ensure the building is “brought back to its former glory”, and so future generations and residents can enjoy the Hall once again.
As part of the restoration works, the entire roof of the hall has been replaced.
The main hall has seen refurbishment of the ceiling and conservation of the timber panelling, which have both been delicately-cleaned and repaired to ensure the “unique and historic” designs were protected.
The stained-glass windows have also been replaced and the artistry has been mimicked to best represent the original windows on the building.
The Hall will reopen to the public on Saturday 10 September to celebrate the Friends of Wythenshawe Park’s 10-year anniversary.
The completion of the repair works coincides with the Manchester City Council’s wider ambition to improve the facilities within Wythenshawe Park. In recent months there has been investment into a Cycle Hub in the park and other sporting facilities.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the restoration project even won a Civic Trust Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Award in 2021, making it just one of two to receive the accolade – which recognises projects that demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation, and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment – at national level.
The restoration project also scooped a RIBA North West Conservation Award in 2021 too.
“Wythenshawe Hall is a beautiful building that harbours lots of local history and cultural value and I am pleased we have repaired the damage that was done,” explained Cllr Lee Ann Igbon – Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods.
“Despite the gruelling and long repair process, we have been able to preserve many of the building’s original features and characteristics – which is a wonderful achievement.”
Featured Image – Wythenshawe Hall
