Stockport Independent Issue 187

FREE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS-PAPER FREE STOCKPORT www.independentnewspapers.co.uk ISSUE 187 OFFERTON • THE HEATONS • EDGELEY • DENTON BREDBURY • CHEADLE HEATH • HAZEL GROVE • CHEADLE HULME • HEAVILEY • MARPLE • REDDISH • ROMILEY • WOODLEY • HIGH LANE Looking for Flooring Inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flooring for your home. With great advice, home styling, measure and planning service, plus quality fitting of top brands and designs, youwill be glad you did . Visit our showroom: Tuesday to Saturday or call 01260 224445 for a private appointment Thornycroft Farm, Pexhill Road, Siddington, Cheshire SK11 9JN l Modern, Traditional & Luxury Carpets l Natural Wood Flooring l Laminate Flooring l Stair Runners & Rods l Luxury Vinyl Tiles l Bespoke Rugs & Runners A SPECIALIST heritage contractor has now been appointed to lead the eagerly anticipated resto- ration of Bramall Hall. The essential work to fix its roof will be led by specialist heritage contractor Restora- tion Projects. It will futureproof the FIXING THE ROOF Bramall Hall restoration moves forward Much-loved: Bramall Hall welcomes more than 36,000 visitors annually (Photo credit: Stockport Council) building, preserving the hall’s stunning architecture and historic treasures for gener- ations to come. The work has been made possible by a £1.6million fund- ing boost from Arts Council England’s Museum Estates and Development Fund (MEND). With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, Bramall Hall - Stockport’s only Grade I-listed building - welcomes more than 36,000 visitors a year but time and the ele- ments have taken their toll. The major restoration project means the hall’s iconic roof will be carefully repaired, protecting its price- less interiors from future damage and safeguarding a “national treasure” against the increasing challenges of climate change. The restoration work, which is being completed in three phases, is set to take around 18 months and will be a fas- cinating process. A Stockport council spokes- person said: “Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see conservation in action. “While the hall will be partly wrapped in a tented scaffold, we are hoping to remain open throughout the life of the project, giv- ing guests an opportunity to explore some of the intricate craftsmanship involved in tra- ditional building techniques and heritage conservation on historic sites. “There will also be an accompanying activities programme called ‘Under our Roof’ giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the architecture, ecol- ogy of the building and the impact of climate change. “Once the work does get underway, there will be some disruption for visitors to Bramall Hall - people can keep track of the pro- gress of the work through regular updates on special project pages on the coun- cil’s website.” Helen Foster-Grime, the council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and sport, said: “Bramall Hall is an iconic and beloved part of our local and national his- tory, and we are delighted to be moving forward with this vital restoration which will protect and safeguard our historic heritage for future generations to enjoy. “The appointment of indus- try specialist, Restoration Projects, is a significant step in ensuring that this remark- able building continues to inspire and educate visitors for years to come. l Continued page two