Group’s plans to restore Foxdenton Hall

LOCAL support... Residents and members of Chadderton Gather gathered at Kingfisher School to learn more about plans to refurbish Foxdenton Hall

PLANS to save Chadderton’s Foxdenton Hall have been revealed to local residents.

Dozens of interested residents and organisations heard more about refurbishment plans for the Grade II* listed hall at a meeting at Kingfisher School in Foxdenton Lane, close to the hall.

Community group Chadderton Together was granted a licensing arrangement allowing them to search for funding to refurbish the 300-year-old building.

The Rev John Simmons, chair of Chadderton Together, said: “We hope this will be the first of a few consultations with the public, where we will share our ideas and ask for input. To progress we need to show we have the support of local residents.”

The group hopes to find a sustainable use for the building - a wedding venue, training and education or community hall have already been suggested.

Chadderton councillor Colin McLaren said the group was given £30,000 by Oldham Council to kick-start the project, but is expecting to have to raise a substantial extra amount to complete any work.

Councillor McLaren said: “Until surveys have been completed we are unsure how much it will cost to bring Foxdenton Hall back into use. We are also hoping to refurbish the pavilion into a café and toilets to improve the park’s facilities.

“At this stage we are starting to develop our business plan and apply for grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England.”

The group is hoping for a 2017 start to work, and a 2018 reopening.