The award to the Heritage Trust for the North West (HTNW) will support conservation and restoration works, whilst helping to ensure the future sustainability for this precious historic building by funding the conversion of part of the building for residential use.
Through the project, the entrance hall and Prospect Tower will be opened up for public access and will house displays and information on the heritage of the building. These will be created in partnership with Bank Hall Action Group, which has campaigned vigorously to save the building.
Once work has been completed, The Bank Hall Action Group will offer guided tours of the building and grounds, and will compliment access to the top of Prospect Tower and the stunning views across the grounds this offers.
Bank Hall was made famous across the nation as the runner-up in the North West heat of BBC Two Restoration programme, gaining more votes than the winners of other regional heats.
Lorraine Fullbrook, Member of Parliament for South Ribble, said: “I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund have chosen to invest in the restoration of Bank Hall. Bank Hall has long been in need of restoration and I know that the local community will be as delighted as me that it is to be restored to its former glory. I look forward to seeing the progress of the restoration and a fully restored Bank Hall back in its position as one of the most eminent and historic buildings in Lancashire.”
Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “This support from HLF is fantastic news for Bank Hall. This important historic building is treasured by the local community, who have worked for many years to ensure its survival. This funding means that this exciting project can be taken forward, and the future survival of Bank Hall can be ensured.”
John Miller, Chief Executive of the Heritage Trust for the North West, said: “This is wonderful news, and we are really pleased that work can begin on conserving Bank Hall. This project is the culmination of 16 years hard work from many different groups particularly the Bank Hall Action Group. We are all hugely grateful for the support HLF has given us, and their patience in allowing us to fully develop this project.”
Dating from the early 17th century, Bank Hall’s Jacobean core was added to in Victorian times. The surviving walls show an interesting mix of architecture and the unusual Prospect Tower, which retains much of its original staircase, is a particular feature.
The building remained in private residential use, mainly in the same family, until the early 20th century. It then changed hands several times, including use by the Army in World War Two. Since then the building has been empty, falling gradually into decline. It is now in the highest risk category on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register.
The Heritage Trust for the North West is a charitable Building Preservation Trust with extensive experience in the conservation of historic sites across the North West, including Lytham Hall in Lancashire.
The Bank Hall Action Group have been campaigning for over 16 years to save Bank Hall and have worked closely with Heritage Trust for the North West on developing their plans.
Notes to editors
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK, including over £528million to the North West alone.
Further information
Roland Smith, HLF Press Office, on 020 7591 6047 or rolands@hlf.org.uk.