Bramall Hall restoration contract awarded

Stockport Council has appointed conservation specialist Lambert Walker as main contractor to undertake the restoration of Bramall Hall following a successful bid for £1.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Preston-based Lambert Walker previously worked on the restoration of Manchester Cathedral, Ordsall Hall in Salford and Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield.

John Lambert and Adrian Walker met as apprentices 20 years ago whilst working on Blackburn Cathedral as historical painter and stonemason respectively.

Cllr Patrick McAuley, Stockport Council's executive member for economic development & regeneration, said: "This is a fantastic project and we are much looking forward to working with Lambert Walker. This complements the importance of Bramall Hall as a visitor destination whilst giving local people an iconic attraction of which they can be proud."

The work by Lambert Walker will begin this month and include restoration of the decorative glass windows, provision of level access on the ground floor, opening up of two new themed rooms, repair of the Victorian boiler house and conversion of the stable block into a café and classroom.

Adrian Walker, contracts director of Lambert Walker, said: "Many years ago I worked as a stonemason for a building company in Marple. My former boss loved Bramall Hall and was a regular visitor. I recall him saying that if I worked hard that one day I might be lucky enough to work on Bramall Hall. Now, I am and Lambert walker is delighted to be involved in this project."

Earlier this year, Stockport Council appointed specialist contractors Hirst Conservation to repair and restore the ornate plaster ceiling in the Withdrawing Room. This work is now nearing completion.

Physical building works will begin on site in April. Bramall Hall will re-open in spring 2016.