Repairs underway at Baguley Hall

Posted: 16/01/2023

After decades of limited maintenance to the historic Baguley Hall, major repairs are finally underway.   

Heritage specialists Restoration Projects are the contractor for the £250,000 repairs to stop water damage and ensure the medieval building is ready for future use.  

Scaffolding, which has been in place for over ten years, will be removed from the interior, and the floor of the hall will be re-laid to improve access for people visiting the building, and to allow for the potential of future uses.

All work will be undertaken using techniques and materials essential in the repair, maintenance and retrofit of such a significant historic building.

Grade I listed Baguley Hall, a manor house built around 700 years ago on Hall Lane, Baguley, is managed by Historic England on behalf of the Government, with support from English Heritage. 

With features including an extremely unusual timber frame and tall wooden-mullioned windows, the hall is classified is being of exceptional interest. Just 2.5 per cent of listed buildings across the country meet the standard for Grade I.

Following completion of the works later in 2023, Historic England will work with local volunteers, the Friends of Baguley Hall (FoBH), on a programme of community engagement.

Historic England will be exploring options for securing a long-term sustainable use.

Volunteers from FoBH, Mike Kane MP and Jeff Smith MP, met with Historic England as work commenced.

Claudia Kenyatta, Historic England’s director of regions, said: “Getting this initial work done will allow us time to find and secure a sustainable future for this important and very special historic building, working closely with local people and partners.”

Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East and Shadow Minister for Aviation and Maritime, said: “Being born and raised in the area, I’m deeply proud of our heritage …. I’m grateful for the tireless efforts of the local Friends and also to Historic England for getting the work on Baguley Hall underway.”

Shadow Heritage Minister and MP for Manchester Withington Jeff Smith said: “Historic places like Baguley Hall mean a huge amount to people in south Manchester and I was delighted to see the start of the repair work. 

“It was great to see the enthusiasm of the local volunteers today and learn about their hopes for the future.  By restoring and reusing these exceptional places we can boost the look and feel of the area, benefit the whole local economy, and make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

Libby Edwards, chairman of FoBH, said:  "It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from Historic England and showcase Baguley Hall to the elected members.

“We are privileged to be working with the people who may be able to make our dream of bringing Baguley Hall back to life into a reality."