Stockport Council has been successful in securing a first-round pass* of £67,200 towards drawing up plans for essential repairs and improvements. The council can now progress to the second stage where they will develop detailed proposals to secure a further £932,600 to conserve and transform the hall for the benefit of residents and visitors.

The project will transform Bramall Hall and Park into a regionally important heritage site, improving access and providing enjoyment and learning opportunities for members of the community and visitors. Conservation of the hall and estate buildings, improved access, developing the education and events programme and works to the walled garden and stable block, will all be undertaken as part of the project.

The Grade I listed hall has been described as one of the four best timber-framed houses in the country, and is set amongst 70 acres of parkland. The hall is well used by school groups and hosts a range of events including concerts, open air theatre, weddings and conferences. It is supported by an active Friends group who arrange task days within the park.

Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Bramall Hall is one of the jewels in Stockport’s crown, so this funding boost is brilliant news. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked hard to secure the first stage of funding, especially the Friends of Bramall Hall and Park who have worked closely with the Council throughout the process.”

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, commented: “Bramall Hall is one of the North West’s heritage treasures. This proposed project would both conserve the historic built fabric whilst creating new opportunities for visitors from near and far to explore, learn about and enjoy this fascinating building. There is still work for the council to do on developing their proposals, but HLF will be offering them full support in taking their application further."

“This is fantastic news. We are committed to supporting the council to make Bramall Hall and Park the best it can be for all its users. It is a fantastic community resource and we continue to work hard to keep it that way. We appreciate the way that we have been consulted throughout the whole process” Morris Garratt, Chair of Friends of Bramall Hall and Park, added.

The council will now develop the scheme in detail and plan to submit to the Heritage Lottery Fund in summer 2012.

For more information on Bramall Hall visit the Stockport council website.

Notes to editors

*A first-round pass means the project meets our criteria for funding and we believe it has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.

Further information

Contact Catherine Beaumont on 0161 218 1706 or catherine.beaumont@stockport.gov.uk.