‘We’re excluded from the project we started’: Charity behind parkland hall restoration ‘does not accept’ council decision to end partnership

A charity instrumental to a project aiming to bring back a historic hall into community use has had its contract terminated.

A charity instrumental to a project aiming to bring back a historic hall into community use has had its contract terminated.

For more than five years, Banana Enterprise Network (BEN)  worked to bring about a revival for Rock Hall in Farnworth’s Moses Gate country park.

The public has been invited to explore the building during a series of open days this month, the first time the building has been open for a decade.

And the hall, which was left semi-derelict after closing,  has already received £467,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Later this year, detailed proposals are to be considered by the heritage fund for its second round of funding, where a final decision is made on the full award of £3,573,042.

However, Banana Enterprise will not be involved after Bolton Council ended their contract. The charity has issued a statement saying they ‘do not accept the council’s decision’.

It said: “Our charity’s trustees received a letter from Bolton Council stating that they are not renewing our partnership agreement in relation to our Rock Hall Revival project.

“We have been excluded from the project which we started and have worked tirelessly on for the community since January 2020.

“We do not accept the council’s decision, which was taken abruptly and without giving us the opportunity to discuss it with senior management at the council. “There are many things we could say, but for now we just want to assure you that we are exploring all avenues open to us to resolve the matter.

“Until then, please do keep supporting us whilst we navigate through this very difficult situation.”

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Banana Enterprise Network for their passion and enthusiasm for the restoration of Rock Hall.

“It was their initial bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund which helped draw wider attention to the need to renovate this great local asset. “A subsequent bid, led by Bolton Council and in partnership with BEN, was successful and this has enabled the essential repair works undertaken as part of the development phase.

“Our partnership agreement with BEN came to an end on March 31.
“We are now looking forward to the delivery phase of the project and to an exciting future for Rock Hall.”

Bolton Council said two rooms of Rock Hall will be accessible on April 6, 9, and 11 from 9:30am to 3:30pm, offering ‘a unique opportunity to step inside this
cherished, local landmark during its ‘meanwhile use’ phase’. Visitors will have the chance to view plans for Rock Hall’s future and share their feedback.