A historic Salford building that has been closed for nearly two years is set to reopen as a children’s nursery following an extensive refurbishment.
After months of planning and restoration work, one of Pendlebury’s best-known landmarks is preparing to begin a new chapter.
Heywood Hall, a Grade II listed building on Bolton Road, has been transformed by childcare provider Explorers Nurseries Ltd and is expected to welcome its first batch of kids at the end of August.
The building was a former schoolhouse designed by George Frederick Bodley, one of the foremost Gothic architects during the mid – late 19th Century. He paid for the construction of the church and related buildings for the benefit of the local community.
Conservation officers, architects and specialist contractors were brought in to carefully restore and adapt the building for its new purpose while preserving its centuries-old character.
Directors Gordon and Nicola Green, who have operated childcare settings across Salford since 2009, said the project has been one of the most challenging and rewarding they have undertaken.
“It’s been a labour of love,” said Gordon Green. “There have certainly been moments where we’ve wondered what we’d taken on, but seeing the transformation has been incredible.
We felt that Heywood Hall deserved to be brought back to life and used by the community once again.”
Nicola Green added: “We are passionate about creating environments where children can thrive, and Heywood Hall gives us the opportunity to do that in a truly unique setting.
“We’ve worked hard to retain the building’s character while creating a warm, welcoming and inspiring environment for children and families.”
The new nursery will provide up to 92 childcare places and create additional employment opportunities within the local area.
Open days are planned throughout August, giving local families the opportunity to see the transformation for themselves before the nursery officially opens.
For Gordon and Nicola, the project is about more than simply opening another nursery.
“We’re a local family business and many of our team live within a few miles of Heywood Hall,” said Gordon.
“To be able to restore such an important local building and secure its future for the next generation is something we’re incredibly proud of. We can’t wait to welcome families through the doors and start creating new memories here.”
