Foxdenton Hall given a lottery boost to help bring building back to life

Oldham Council has welcomed a £228,000 cash boost to recover Foxdenton Hall in Chadderton as part of the first phase of the restoration programme.

The council in partnership with Chadderton Together has announced a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help bring the much-loved building back to life. 

This initial support from the Heritage Fund will allow the project to progress with its plans before detailed proposals are then considered for a full delivery grant award totalling £2.27m as part of the £3.5m project. 

The building in Foxdenton Park has been vacant for 14 years following problems with electrical supply and dry rot and without the funding, would be in danger of further deterioration. 

When complete, the historic landmark will provide a community hub with a local heritage attraction, facilities for schools, and provide much needed accommodation for small enterprises. 

Foxdenton Hall was the ancestral family home of Lydia Becker, a leading suffragist and forerunner of the suffragette movement.  

Lydia was also a keen amateur botanist who corresponded with Charles Darwin. 

The Radclyffe family, former owners of Foxdenton Hall, were active supporters of King Charles I and they played a part in the English Civil War.  

Without the funding from the Heritage Fund, the beautiful Georgian building could be lost forever and the stories around its history would remain unheard. 

The project will transform the walled garden into a 17th century green space, as it was originally located behind the hall. This area will be used for events and be planted with period flowers which were popular in the hall’s early history. 

To bring local heritage to new audiences, there will be a programme of events with local communities, including activities from local schools. 

Chadderton Together’s popular and not-for-profit Lydia’s Tearoom, situated within Foxdenton Park will also benefit, as the finished building will bring in more visitors to the area. 

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

“Thanks to National Lottery players, a much-loved historic building is being given the opportunity to be brought back to life benefiting the local people of the borough for many years to come.” 

Chadderton Together, added: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Council to bring the building back into community use.”