Hopwood Hall Estate is gradually returning to its previously neglected condition.
- Hopwood Radio
- May 26
- 2 min read
Updated: May 31
Rochdale Council seized control of Hopwood Hall Estate, believing that Mr. DePree had not submitted a viable business plan and that the restoration work was insufficient. Before Mr. DePree's involvement, the Grade II* listed manor house had been severely neglected by Rochdale Council for over 30 years until he stepped in to aid in its restoration.
Mr. DePree issued a "Call for Help" to the local community, and many individuals volunteered to assist with the restoration. This led to the creation of the Gardening Club, a group of volunteers with diverse skills and knowledge. They dedicated over 28,000 hours to reclaim the formal gardens from brambles, trees, tree stumps, and overgrown grass, which were in a very severe state.
The volunteers diligently worked every Tuesday and Thursday, forming lifelong friendships as they immersed themselves in restoring the gardens. Some volunteers even brought their own furniture and plants for the garden. Additionally, the local community donated hundreds of tools and equipment to assist the volunteers in their efforts.
This team was unstoppable and demonstrated their determination in restoring the gardens and manor house. Eventually, the gardens began to take shape and regained their formal appearance, leading to the RHS awarding the volunteers the highest rating of 5 for three consecutive years. However, this success was halted by legal issues from Rochdale Council, who locked the gates and changed the locks, preventing the volunteers from entering.
Since the takeover, Hopwood Hall Estate has once more begun to fall into neglect under Rochdale Council's management. Scaffolding is now being set up around Hopwood Hall Estate to commence roof repairs. However, Rochdale Council and the roofing contractors have shown "No Care" for the Formal Gardens, which have become overgrown with grass again.
The scaffolding has been set up in the flowerbeds, and materials have been carelessly "dumped" in the gardens, showing a lack of professional care. This disregard undermines the four years of hard work by the Volunteers, indicating that Rochdale Council does not value this historic building or the efforts invested by Mr. DePree and the Volunteers. They are appalled by the Council's actions.
Neglected Hopwood Hall Estate 2025 | 📷 Hopwood Radio
The volunteers remain optimistic and continue to gather, offering support to one another, as their involvement at Hopwood Hall Estate has impacted everyone's mental health. Visiting and volunteering there allowed them to enjoy the outdoors, spend time together as friends, and provided a mental health boost by offering an escape. It became their favourite place to clear their minds and forget life's problems.
Everyone is staying positive and hopeful that they can once more enter the gates of Hopwood Hall Estate together as friends and a dedicated team, allowing them to tackle the neglected grounds again, as this has been a significant setback.
The Battle Goes On!
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