Historic Church mansion renovation on the starting blocks

Community Solutions North West is seeking planning permission and listed building consent for the works at the Victorian Elmfield Hall inside Gatty Park, Church.

It proposes to replace 21 windows at the back of the building, install a new wheelchair accessible lift, and reconfigure much of the interior.

The work will be paid for out of a £435,446 grant to Community Solutions North West from the Community Ownership Fund, awarded in January.

A supporting statement submitted with the applications for the 1867 building, gifted to the township of Church along the grounds by the Gatty family, is now used as an old people's social centre.

It says: “The design intent is to maintain the character and aesthetic of the building using materials and styles consistent with its historical value, while updating the building to comply with modern building standards.

“Elmfield Hall presents a distinguished and well-proportioned Victorian composition, characteristic of mid-19th-century Italianate architecture.

“A prominent central entrance bay projects slightly forward, providing visual emphasis and anchoring the overall composition.

“The original timber door, with glazed panels and fanlight above, remains in situ and forms a key part of the building’s historic character.

“Later additions, including a modest single-storey rear extension, have been carried out in sympathetic materials but are clearly distinguishable from the original fabric.

“Elmfield Hall is a prominent Victorian property constructed in 1867 for Thomas Birtwistle, a leading figure in the local textile industry and a notable trade unionist

“It originally served as a private residence set within formal grounds, representative of the period’s architectural grandeur and social hierarchy.

“Throughout the 20th century, the Hall underwent several functional changes, including use as a public office and community space.

“The property is part of the Church Conservation Area.

“Community Solutions North West has since acquired the property and has begun preserving, maintaining and upgrading the property.

“The existing building layout is no longer fit for purpose as the building previously functioned as a number of apartments, which are now vacant and in a state of disrepair.

“The proposed changes will have both a positive impact on the heritage status, energy performance and accessibility of the building.”

The works include:

•  replacement of existing windows to the rear with double-glazed energy efficient replicas with timber frames;
• internal lift extension to access second floor and providing level access to the first floor using the existing lift shaft;
• removal of an internal rear staircase that serves no purpose;
• construction of internal partitions between rooms and with additional fire compartmentalisation
• construction of internal doorways
• internal connection between the main hallway and recently renovated stables;
• renovation of existing rear rooms, currently vacant;
• conversion of the vacant spaces to the rear of the building which were historically flats following a conversion by the council in 1948; and
•  new interior furnishings, hygiene, sanitary and working facilities

The statement adds: “The proposed works respect the listed status of Elmfield Hall and adhere to heritage conservation principles.

“The completion of the proposed work is necessary to ensure the building's future functionality and viability.”