Until officially opened in October 2019, the glasshouses were a much-missed aspect of Walton Hall and Gardens estate. So, after three years of partnership working with Rosslee Construction, it’s fair to say that the conservatories are shining once again.

Phoenix rising

In September 1993, the conservatory range closed to the public and slowly fell into disrepair. Like its slow decline, planning for the fantastic restoration project was equally years in the making. However, thanks to The Heritage Lottery Fund, the restoration project received the cash injection it needed. The rest is history.

Educational hub

The glasshouses are now part of a thriving educational hub, with resident students from Myerscough College studying for apprenticeships and qualifications. Similarly, the site now supports additional needs learning via the Walton Lea Partnership. As a result of this partnership working, other areas of Walton Hall Estate will also see development.

The partnership aims to:

  • Provide quality teaching and training for young adults and people with disabilities
  • Provide engagement with the estate’s heritage
  • Improve the estate’s conservation and recording
  • Strengthen and diversify the existing volunteer programme
  • Deliver increased public participation

For more information about Myerscough College, why not visit their website? And for more information on the Walton Lea Project, visit their Facebook page.

Heritage Fund logo
The conservatory range project has been Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund since 2016. The estate will continue to receive funding until 2022, to enhance it’s heritage story.

Gallery

The conservatories before their restoration
A workman painting the ironwork while restoring the conservatories
A plaque illustrating the restoration of the conservatories
Restoration of the glasshouses in July 2019
Myerscough students undertaking work at the restored glasshouses
Myerscough students gathered outside the conservatories and glasshouses at Walton Hall and Gardens
Myerscough students working at the newly restored glasshouses
Myerscough students gathered at the Children's Zoo
Rising from the ashes
Follow the progress of this important redevelopment through the lens of Andy Gilbert (all rights reserved).

The Glasshouses restoration

Contractors Rosslee Construction spent 17 long months on-site restoring the premises to their former glories. Taking great care throughout the restoration process to preserve the site’s cultural heritage.

The result? An important piece of culture is back with the community.

Our time-lapse video illustrates the scale of the works perfectly!

Timber framing

The repair of the conservatories is entirely in keeping with the original which contained thousands of pieces of timber. During the restoration, each piece of wood was removed, tagged to mark its original location and assessed for rot. Most of it was reused internally, with new wood used for the external beams.

Ironwork

Nearly all the original ironwork used in the glasshouses was repairable, reused and repainted. The original ironwork was paint tested numerous times, with the most prominent colour a beautiful powder blue.

Brickwork

Despite having to dismantle the walls brick by brick for assessment, Rosslee Construction reused over 90% of them with lime mortar. And, with most of the bricks dating back to 1899-1910, that’s what we call restoration.

Gallery

The ironwork at the newly restored glasshouses
The glasshouses in the sunshine
The glasshouses during the opening ceremony
The newly restored glasshouses in the autumn sunshine
The glasshouses in the summer sun
The newly restored glasshouses looking lovely in the gloomy weather

Glasshouses opening times

The main glasshouse and Atrium are open during park opening hours. However, the wings are closed during term time as students use these areas. There will be public access on some weekends.

The Courtyard, Vinery and The Shippon yard is open at weekends.