Park orangery refurbishment approved

The Orangery in Heaton Park has been closed to the public since 2012

Plans to refurbish a Georgian building at a popular park have been approved by councillors.

Built in the 1820s, the Orangery in Heaton Park in north Manchester, was constructed as an addition to Heaton Hall.

It was last opened in 2012 but could be returned into use as an "events space”, Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said.

Work will start on stonework repairs and internal refurbishment, which will include new flooring and doors, a full redecoration and an overhaul of the electrics and heating.

Officials want Heaton Park's Orangery to become a "high-quality dining and event space"

It is part of a £2.1m investment by Manchester City Council and Historic England in 2018, to ensure the Grade I- listed building remained wind and weathertight.

The council said it would work with Manchester and Cheshire Construction to fit out the building over 12 months, enabling “a blank canvas for any future operating partner”.

It said it wanted a “high-quality dining and event space right in the heart of Heaton Park”.

Councillor Igbon, executive member for vibrant neighbourhoods, said: "We are delighted that we can now get started on bringing this much-loved part of the building, steeped in history, back into use.”

David Blood, chair of Friends of Heaton Hall, said: "We are excited by the news and hope that more people will get to experience a special place that is Heaton Hall."