Wythenshawe Hall, Manchester

Restoring one of Manchester’s most treasured historic landmarks

 

Client: Manchester City Council

Conlon Construction delivered the restoration of Wythenshawe Hall following a devastating fire, undertaking a complex programme of conservation, repair and reinstatement works to secure the future of one of Manchester’s most significant heritage assets.

Working on behalf of Manchester City Council, the project combined specialist craftsmanship, traditional restoration techniques and modern building services to sensitively restore the Grade II* listed Tudor manor house while preserving its historic character and cultural importance.

The Challenge

Following extensive fire damage to the building’s historic core, the project required a highly specialist approach to restore and conserve centuries-old architectural features while addressing significant structural and fabric repairs.

Every aspect of the programme demanded close collaboration between conservation specialists, craftspeople and project stakeholders to ensure the Hall’s heritage significance was protected throughout the restoration process.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a comprehensive programme of conservation and restoration works, including:

  • Reconstruction of three fire-damaged roof structures
  • Restoration of the historic entrance bay
  • Installation of new pitched slate roofs
  • Terne-coated stainless steel flat roofs and valleys
  • Repair and reglazing of historic metal and timber windows
  • Conservation of original stained-glass features
  • Creation and installation of new stained glass within the entrance bay
  • Lime render repairs to the north gable and entrance bay
  • Restoration of fibrous plaster ceilings
  • Lime plaster and render wall repairs
  • Specialist joinery restoration and repairs
  • Conservation of historic wall paintings
  • Restoration and polishing of original timber flooring
  • Installation of new electrical, security, CCTV, data and fire alarm systems

 

The works were carefully planned and executed to balance heritage conservation with the requirements of a modern public building.

The Outcome

The completed restoration has returned Wythenshawe Hall to the heart of the community, preserving an irreplaceable part of Manchester’s heritage and ensuring the building can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Through the careful repair of historic fabric, restoration of original features and integration of modern infrastructure, the project has safeguarded the long-term future of the Hall while respecting its unique architectural and cultural significance.

The quality of delivery was recognised through a Considerate Constructors Scheme Silver Award, reflecting the professionalism, care and attention to detail demonstrated throughout the programme.

We are very grateful for the committed and collaborative approach you and the team showed throughout the project which, on a personal note, made it very enjoyable to be a part of.

 

Our Social Value Impact

  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) utilised the installed scaffolding to undertake training in preparation for real-life rope rescue scenarios
  • A media day conducted on site in which Key 103, Granada Reports, the local newspaper and Wythenshawe Fire Services attended
  • Sponsored ‘This Girl Can’ at Wythenshawe Games Day and made a donation of £500 towards the erection of a temporary basketball court
  • First Aid, Hoist, Asbestos Awareness, Face Fit, Rotafix, Abrasive Wheels, Plettac Metrix and STSTS training were given to operatives on site throughout the duration of the project
  • Tours were given to 32 guests from the Civic Society in Chester, as well as a hard-hat tour for the ‘Friends of Wythenshawe Hall’ community group
  • Ten apprentices worked on aspects of the site during the project
  • Students from Alsop School and Manchester School of Architecture were given tours by Site Manager, Dave Lyon
  • Two work experience students and one graduate placement student were involved with the project
  • A Commando Joe’s activity box was donated to the local Sandilands Primary School
  • Considerate Constructors Scheme awarded 42/50
  • CCS Silver ‘National Site Award Winner’ in 2019