Funding awarded for restoration of Oldham’s Foxdenton Hall

Oldham Council, in partnership with Chadderton Together, has confirmed a development grant for the first phase of the restoration of the Grade II-listed Foxdenton Hall.

The initial £228,000 support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow the project to progress before detailed proposals are then considered for a full delivery grant award totalling £2.27m as part of the £3.5m project.

The building has been vacant for 14 years following problems with electrical supply and dry rot and without the funding, would be in danger of further deterioration. When complete, the historic building will provide a community hub with a local heritage attraction, facilities for schools, and provide much-needed accommodation for small enterprises.

Foxdenton Hall was the ancestral family home of Lydia Becker, a leading suffragist and forerunner of the suffragette movement. Lydia was also a keen amateur botanist who corresponded with Charles Darwin.

The project will transform the walled garden into a 17th-century green space, as it was originally located behind the hall. This area will be used for events and be planted with period flowers which were popular in the hall’s early history. To bring local heritage to new audiences, there will be a programme of events with local communities, including activities from local schools.

Chadderton Together’s popular and not-for-profit Lydia’s Tearoom, situated within Foxdenton Park, will also benefit, as the finished building will bring in more visitors to the area.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, a much-loved historic building is being given the opportunity to be brought back to life benefiting the local people of the borough for many years to come.”

Chadderton Together added: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Council to bring the building back into community use.”

Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Foxdenton Hall has initially been granted round one development funding of £228,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding.