Bolton Council planners have approved a £5.9 million plan to transform Rock Hall in Moses Gate park into a cultural and community venue, just one day after a £4.5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was announced.
Restoration and Expansion Plans
The Grade II listed building will be restored and repurposed to include a café, exhibition spaces, event areas, workshops, and office space, operated in partnership with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. The approved plans include a new four-storey rear extension with a roof terrace and basement, more than doubling the building's volume.
The project also involves demolishing an existing two-storey rear extension and installing a front door, timber sash windows, and a heat pump system. The height of the fourth storey was reduced to minimize visual impact on the principal elevation when viewed from the west, addressing concerns from heritage consultees.
Lottery Funding and Community Benefits
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £4,465,552 to the project, which was announced the day before the planning decision. Chair of planning, Councillor Andy Morgan, said: "We’ve been offered £4.6m to support this application and if it’s not approved it will be lost. It really is an important decision we will make today. The public benefit really does outweigh any concerns. I think it’s smack on we should be supporting this, it’s a massive heritage boost for the whole of the borough."
Lancashire Wildlife Trust will operate the site on a 25-year lease. The council stated the project will deliver public benefits including long-term viable reuse of Rock Hall, restoration of the asset, improved accessibility, inclusive use, community and social benefits, and landscape and environmental benefits.
Historical Significance
According to a planning report, Rock Hall originally stood just south of the Farnworth Paper Mill, demolished in 1971, which was owned by the Crompton family, key figures in Farnworth's industrial growth. More recently, the building housed the Croal Valley Countryside Warden Service and Bolton’s Park Rangers until 2014, after which it remained vacant.
Councillor Debbie Newall said: "This is a fabulous opportunity. It’s about much more than the actual building, but obviously the building is integral, its heritage will be preserved. The building will change but its integrity will remain and it will be a focal point. The wildlife trust offers such a great offer for all aspects of our community."
Community Reaction
A spokesperson for Rock Hall said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, this support will help us transform Rock Hall into a community heritage hub and visitor destination. The revival project will restore and re-purpose the historic building, creating a welcoming space for local people and visitors. Plans include heritage interpretation, community activities, learning opportunities, and improved access to the surrounding landscape. A huge thank you to everybody that has supported the project."
