£961,000 grant for historic glasshouses

A £961,000 grant to restore historic glasshouses at Grappenhall Heys Walled Gardens has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
It will support regeneration of the derelict Foster and Pearson glasshouses, currently considered an eyesore and dangerous.
A Heritage Impact Assessment, commissioned by Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council last year, concluded that the glasshouses, “as a complete range, were an unusual survival” and were “of significant historical and social interest.”
The whole run of Victorian/Edwardian glasshouses will be recreated on the original footprint, reusing original brickwork, and the frame will be rebuilt in timber. As much as possible of the original ironwork will be preserved.
Work is expected to start later this year and will also include refurbishment of the back sheds. The finished buildings will include working glasshouses, a display glasshouse, potting sheds, educational space, heritage displays, a kitchen, a café area, outdoor seating and an indoor event space.
The garden was created around 1830 when Thomas Parr, a prominent banker, began construction of a country house estate.
Ownership of the gardens was transferred to the parish council in 2005, together with an endowment fund to cover maintenance. An active friends group, with more than 220 members, supports the garden with fundraising and events.
Parish council clerk Janet Richards said: “The restoration of the glasshouses at Grappenhall Heys will provide a fabulous community facility for recreation, learning and participation for a broad range of groups within the local community.
“The regeneration will not only restore their visual beauty, but will also preserve local heritage for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. We are absolutely thrilled to bits that our lottery bid has been successful, and look forward to seeing the glasshouses being brought back to life.”