After the Hall was forced to close due to an arson attack in 2016, Manchester City Council has carried out over £6.7 million of extensive refurbishment works to consolidate the damage and have enhanced security upgrades to the Hall, to protect it from further damage and to allow the public to enjoy the magnificent building once again.
Manchester City Council with partners Conlon Construction, have been working to ensure that the building is brought back to its former glory and so future generations and residents can enjoy the Hall.
As part of the restoration works, the entire roof of the hall has been replaced and reroofed. The Main Hall has been brought back to its former glory by extensive works, including refurbishment of the ceiling and conservation of the timber panelling, which have been delicately cleaned and repaired to ensure the unique and historic designs were protected. The timeless stained-glass windows have been replaced and the artistry has been mimicked to best represent the original windows on the building.
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The restoration of Wythenshawe Hall won a Civic Trust Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Award in 2021. The project was one of just two to receive the AABC Conservation Award at national level, 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. In addition, RIBA North West Award 2021, RIBA North West Conservation Award 2021 were also won by Buttress Architects for the restoration work on the Hall.
Now, the Hall is ready to be dressed and restored to its former glory. It will be reopened to the public on 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.
Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: "It brings me great pleasure to see that the Hall has reopened and restored to its former glory after the devastating incident in 2016. As custodians of the building the Council have been working over the past few years to protect the Hall and we have also carried out major improvement works to ensure the building is better suited for the future.
"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. I also want to thank our Construction partners Conlon for all of their hard work in repairing the damage.
"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."
