Wardley Hall is an early medieval manor house and a Grade I listed building in the Worsley are of Salford. The current hall dates from around 1500 but was extensively rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Hall is the official residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford and has been since 1930 when it was gifted to the diocese, after it purchased the surrounding land for a new Catholic cemetery.
Rosslee were appointed by the Diocese to renovate the existing Hall to bring it to a comfortable modern living standard without compromising the architectural significance of the building.
Initially new service routes were created to accommodate for new service installations into the building such as gas, water and outgoing drainage. New fire alarm and intruder alarm systems were also fitted to comply with the modern living standard.
Externally, one double window on the side elevation was removed and a new grand entrance was created with an ornate stone surround to compliment the period of the property. A disable access ramp was created leading up to the Hall to provide legal compliance. Other external works included cobbled paving surrounding the Hall.
Internally, past unsympathetic interventions were removed to uncover the property’s original features; flat ceilings were removed to expose the original vaulted ceiling roof space and walls were removed to expose the original timber structure of the building. Several walls were also moved to create guest accommodation comprising of 6 bedrooms with en suites. The original kitchen was removed and a new modern commercial kitchen was fitted. Other areas such as the grand hall were subject to flooring restoration and redecoration was carried out throughout the Hall to a high specification.
Project value: £540k approx.
The Rosslee staff were a pleasure to work with and respectful of the environment (religious residence and offices). The site manager updated me at the end of every day and advised on what was planned for the next day!
Marie Sartini Diocese of Salford, Wardley Hall
