Astley Hall renovation earns heritage award

Chorley Council's extensive renovation of Astley Hall has won the heritage category at the recent Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor's Regional Awards.

The scheme, centred around conservation repairs of the 16th century, Grade I listed building, was developed by the council’s appointed heritage surveyors Maybank Buildings Conservation LLP.

Work began in 2020 and included render removal to the front of the building revealing brickwork unseen for 200 years, major window rebuilding and window renewal, roof repairs, internal decoration and more, adding to earlier repairs to the first floor and Great Hall.

After winning the regional round, the project will now be entered into the national awards which take place in October.

Caroline Wolfenden, director of change and delivery at Chorley Council, said: “We’re delighted that Astley Hall has won this award and to have worked with the team at Maybank Buildings Conservation again on this once in a generation renovations project.

“Winning the heritage category at the awards is a testament to our commitment to preserving the region's cultural legacy and we feel our ambitious plans for this project achieved that as we see visitors enjoying its history and hopefully for many years to come.”

Geoffrey Maybank of Maybank Buildings Conservation, said: "The work was extensive, including intricate structural work to both the interior and exterior of the hall and uncovering parts of history unseen for hundreds of years along the way. These repairs will help to extend the life of the hall so that generations to come can enjoy it – something we’re extremely proud to have been involved in.”

The hall also plays an integral part of some of Chorley’s events which are attended by thousands, such as Chorley Flower Show, Astley Illuminated, Picnic in the Park, and in 2021 it played host to some of the world's most powerful and influential politicians as the venue for the G7 Speakers’ Conference.