Winstanley Hall: historic landmark at risk, public support needed

Supporters of the Winstanley Hall plan hope to secure backing before it is too late.

A Tudor hall under threat

Winstanley Hall stands as one of Greater Manchester’s few surviving Tudor-era houses. Its origins date to the late 1500s when it functioned as a manorhouse. In past centuries the estate contributed to local coal mining and weaving industries.

Years of neglect have left serious damage to the building. Roofs now leak, floors have collapsed and parts suffer structural failure. Without prompt action the building risks losing key historic features.

A plan to save history and provide new homes

The scheme described on the Winstanley Hall website aims to fully restore the hall. The restored building would become 36 apartments. The wider estate would deliver nearly 400 new homes.

The plan includes public open spaces, woodland corridors, walking paths, a heritage centre, a community orchard, and woodland buffers. The design seeks to protect views, safeguard local ecology and preserve privacy for current neighbours.

If approved, the scheme would give the public access to large parts of the estate for the first time.

The urgency for public backing

Champions of the plan argue it represents the only feasible path to save Winstanley Hall. Without public backing there may be too little incentive or funding to prevent further decay.

This proposal tackles two needs at once — preserving a historic building and providing new housing. It can safeguard a historical landmark while delivering homes that many local families need.

How to make a difference

Readers who care about heritage and housing are invited to visit the Winstanley Hall site and register support. Strong public endorsement could help convince local planners and authorities to approve the scheme.

By supporting the project today, readers help shape a future where Winstanley Hall remains part of the region’s heritage — and becomes a living community resource for tomorrow.