Baguley Hall on the market with Colliers
Indicative proposals for uses have already been drawn up along with cost estimates, prepared by Thomas Ford and Partners conservation architects, and IKS cost consultants, subject to planning approvals.
Invitations are being invited for the purchase of the freehold, or a leasehold, of the historic hall in Wythenshawe, which is up for sale with Colliers acting on behalf of Historic England, the non-departmental government body which helps care for the historic environment,
The indicative plans include a food-based pub, with or without bedrooms, a boutique hotel, and an events centre. These plans will be made available to interested parties.
A former manor house, which has been vacant for many years, the hall sits on a two-acre site close to Manchester Airport.
Formerly owned by the Manchester Corporation, the building passed into state-ownership in the late 1960’s. It dates to the late 13th century and features a timber-framed great hall in the middle, with cross-wings added later.
Historic England has undertaken significant repair work to assist future occupiers ahead of going to market.
Will Tait, associate director in Colliers’ licensed and leisure team, who is handling the sale, said: “Baguley Hall is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a truly special historic building.
“We think it is well-suited, because of its layout and location, for various uses, including hospitality.
“Historic England is seeking to transfer the freehold or a long leasehold to a company that will restore and operate the building in a sympathetic way, in keeping with its grade I-listing, and will enable the public to access it on at least an occasional basis”.
Catherine Dewar, North West regional director at Historic England, added: “Baguley Hall is a South Manchester historic gem.
“Standing for nearly 900 years, it boasts the most incredible great hall with tall, mullioned windows and unusual timber frame. We’re looking forward to working with Colliers to find prospective buyers or long-term tenants to find an exciting new use for this stunning site.”
As a local resident to this significant historic building I am horrified that this will not be put to use for the local community and preserved for the general public to appreciate. How utterly greedy and thoughtless of Historic England to only think of filling their coffers instead of preserving such an unique building for all to admire!
By Emma Copeland
Emma, who pays for this building to be “put to use” for the local community? Both capital and revenue costs? Historic England have very significant responsibilities for preserving the historic environment and very limited budgets, they have spent money on Baguley Hall to help enable a market led solution to preserving the hall, this is the very opposite of filling their coffers. You should be thankful for them doing what they have done, otherwise you would be more horrified about a building in much worst condition with little or no hope of finding a use.
By Nick Barton
Hoping something wonderful comes of Baguely Hall, appreciating it’ll benefit from a lot of love and care. Wondering if this could be an opportunity for say Brunning & Price? After all, they’ve sensitively restored various properties, giving them a viable future. Having cycled past Baguley Hall many a time, thinking hopefully one day someone will restore this historic building, perhaps we’re on the cusp of positive news!
By Pragmatist
An utter disgrace. If this were in London, public funds would be made available to fully renovate and open to the public.
By Brian Harrop
Perhaps now I will get to see it. Even though I attended Baguley Hall Primary between 1959-6) I have never been inside it as it’s always been closed to the public. When we were studying the Tudors, we were shipped out to Gawsworth & Little Moreton Hall, even though we had this little gem on our doorstep. Hope to see it in NC all its glory!
By Jinny
This is scandalous
By Anonymous