Major roof restoration under way at Hopwood Hall as heritage project gathers pace

Thursday, 5 June 2025 13:12

By David Murphy

Work to restore Middleton’s grade II listed Hopwood Hall has entered a significant new phase with the launch of a £466,000 roof repair scheme jointly funded by the council and Historic England.

A specialist contractor has begun a major restoration of the deteriorating roof at Hopwood Hall in Middleton, marking Rochdale Council's step forward in efforts to preserve the historic building for future generations.

Oldham based building conservation experts Maysand have been awarded the contract for the complex works, which are designed to return the roof to its original appearance and make the building fully watertight.

The project, worth nearly half a million pounds, is being funded by Rochdale Borough Council and Historic England. In addition to roof repairs, Maysand will restore the hall’s leaded windows and carry out essential maintenance on downpipes and gutters.

Two apprenticeships for local residents will be created as part of the initiative. Maysand also plans to run stonemasonry and stone carving workshops over the summer, with a heritage skills programme scheduled for the autumn.

Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “Hopwood Hall is a really important historic asset for Middleton and the wider borough. Over £1.7 million of public investment has gone into it in recent years, and we are keen to keep building on that momentum.

“These roof works are vital to protecting and enhancing the building’s remarkable heritage. I’m especially pleased a Greater Manchester company has won the contract, and that there will be ways for the public to get involved in the project.”

Bryn Lisle, owner of Maysand, said: “It’s a rare privilege to work on a building with such history, and we’re committed to delivering the highest standards of craftsmanship. Projects like this are not just about repairs, they’re about preserving heritage and passing skills on to the next generation.”

Peter Barlow from Historic England added: “We’re pleased to support this next phase of roof repairs, which are essential for the hall’s survival. The heritage skills opportunities will also help nurture the specialist expertise needed for Hopwood Hall and other valued historic buildings.”

A feasibility study into the building’s long-term future is ongoing. It includes input from a national team of experts — some of whom worked on the award-winning restoration of Rochdale Town Hall, who are considering potential future uses for the site.

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