Former Hopwood Hall Estate Volunteer Changes Stance During Ongoing Court Dispute

A former volunteer associated with restoration efforts at Hopwood Hall Estate has changed his position and is now supporting garden restoration work being carried out under the leadership of Rochdale Council — despite previously stating he would never work under the council’s direction.

Hopwood Hall Estate | Image: Hopwood Radio

The individual had previously taken part in volunteer work connected to the historic estate but kept his involvement relatively low-profile. In earlier public statements and posts, he indicated that he did not want attention drawn to the work he was carrying out at the site.

At the time, he was also outspoken about who he believed should lead the restoration of the estate. In publicly shared statements, he said he would not work under Rochdale Council and would only support restoration work if the estate itself — under the stewardship of Hopwood DePree — remained in control.

In one statement shared publicly, he wrote: “I would never work under the leadership of Rochdale Council and will only work if Hopwood Hall Estate is at the helm of the project under Hopwood DePree.”

However, the situation now appears to have shifted. The former volunteer has since become involved in restoration activity within the gardens that is currently being carried out under the leadership of Rochdale Council.

The change in position comes at a sensitive time for the future of Hopwood Hall Estate. A public interest court case between Hopwood DePree and Rochdale Council is currently underway to determine issues surrounding ownership and control of the historic site.

The case, which has attracted attention from heritage supporters and local residents, is scheduled for a two-day hearing where the court is expected to examine the competing positions over who should ultimately hold ownership and responsibility for the estate.

Hopwood Hall Estate, a historic landmark in Rochdale with origins dating back centuries, has been the subject of long-running restoration ambitions and debate about its future governance.

With the legal proceedings ongoing and restoration work continuing in parts of the grounds, the former volunteer’s shift in stance has raised questions among observers following developments surrounding the estate and the wider restoration effort.

Sources connected to the former volunteer group say the development has also created tensions among individuals who had previously worked together in support of the estate. Some within the group are understood to have expressed concern over the shift in position, particularly given the volunteer’s earlier public statements opposing council-led involvement.

As restoration discussions and legal proceedings continue, the situation highlights the complex and sometimes divided views surrounding the future of one of Rochdale’s most historic estates.