Long-term future for Woodbank Hall is 'possible', MP says
A long-term future for Stockport's historic Woodbank Hall is possible, Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart has said.
It comes after Ms Smart met with the Heritage Fund to discuss opportunities for funding for the hall.
Although Stockport Council has already stepped in to address immediate problems such as rot, water leakage, and asbestos, the long-term plan for the hall is still in contention.
Ms Smart said that the next stage for the hall would be 'delivering an achievable plan for its future'.
The Lib Dem MP added: ""Woodbank Hall deserves a future where it has a real purpose, and one where the community is genuinely part of that future.
"It is a real heritage asset, and so it is important to talk to funders such as the Heritage Fund so we know exactly what plans have to include to get the funding we need.
"We'll be continuing discussions with the council, and working with them to get ideas in front of residents as soon possible, to ensure that they are a real part of this building's future."
Stockport Council has already spent £250,000 on repairing the building, with works having started in 2024.
Dating back to 1814, the hall was once home to Peter Marsland, an industrialist who established the first mill using steam-powered looms to produce cloth from wool in the 1820s.
Cllr Colin MacAlister, Stockport's regeneration lead, similarly said in December 2024: "I can assure you that we are looking at the long-term future.
"Early next year, there will be concrete proposals that we can look at to make sure that the long-term future and wellbeing of Woodbank Hall is secure."
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