Winstanley Hall faces uncertain future — local heritage needs support

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

A Tudor hall under threat

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 scheme described on the Winstanley Hall website aims to fully restore the hall. The restored building would become 36 apartments. The wider estate would deliver nearly 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.

Approval would allow public access to much of the estate for the first time in its history.

Why support matters now

Champions of the plan argue it represents the only feasible path 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.

Your support today can help ensure Winstanley Hall remains a heritage landmark and becomes a living part of the community’s future.