Winstanley Hall faces uncertain future — local heritage needs support

Winstanley Hall faces uncertain future — local heritage needs support

Advocates urge public backing now to protect Winstanley Hall from decay.

A once-grand hall in danger

This historic hall ranks among the rare Tudor-era houses left in Greater Manchester. Its origins date to the late 1500s when it functioned as a manorhouse. Over the years the estate played a part in regional coal mining and weaving.

Time and neglect have taken a severe toll on the hall. Roofs now leak, floors have collapsed and parts suffer structural failure. If no intervention occurs soon, important heritage may be lost forever.

A restoration plan combining heritage and housing

The proposals featured on the Winstanley Hall site call for a full restoration of the hall. The restored building would become 36 apartments. Beyond the hall, the estate would see delivery of almost 400 new homes.

The plan includes public open spaces, woodland corridors, walking paths, a heritage centre, a community orchard, and woodland buffers. The design seeks to protect views, safeguard local ecology and preserve privacy for current neighbours.

If approved, the scheme would give the public access to large parts of the estate for the first time.

The urgency for public backing

Supporters say this plan offers the only realistic chance to save Winstanley Hall. Without public backing there may be too little incentive or funding to prevent further decay.

This proposal tackles two needs at once — preserving a historic building and providing new housing. It can safeguard a historical landmark while delivering homes that many local families need.

How to make a difference

Readers who care about heritage and housing are invited to visit the Winstanley Hall site and register support. Strong public endorsement could help convince local planners and authorities to approve the scheme.

By supporting the project today, readers help shape a future where Winstanley Hall remains part of the region’s heritage — and becomes a living community resource for tomorrow.