Heaton Park’s famous Orangery moves step closer to reopening as an ‘events space’

Plans to refurbish the Orangery in Heaton Park have been approved by Manchester council.

Work on the Orangery — which is part of the Grade I listed Heaton Hall — will include external repairs to the masonry and stonework, as well as internal refurbishment focusing on new flooring, redecoration, new doors, upgraded toilets and a full overhaul of electrical and heating systems.

The plans also include a new low-carbon air source heat pump, and follow more than £2.1m worth of investment by the council and Historic England in 2018/19 to ensure the building remains wind and weathertight.

The building was last opened in 2012 but Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said there were hopes for the structure to return as a long-term events space.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said: “We are delighted that we can now get started on bringing this much-loved part of the building, steeped in history, back into use.

“We are determined to inject energy and vigour into this beautiful building and in the future work with a partner that will do it justice and bring it back into use as an events space to ensure its long-term future. I look forward to exciting times ahead.”

David Blood, Chair of Friends of Heaton Hall said: “The Friends of Heaton Hall is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and we look forward to continuing to work alongside the Council and Historic England to restore the Orangery so that it can open its doors to visitors once again. We are excited by the news and hope that more people will get to experience a special place that is Heaton Hall.”