News

‘Essential’ repairs needed at Wollaton Hall site to fix health and safety problems

By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter

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‘Essential’ repairs are needed at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park after health and safety problems were discovered.

Nottingham City Council, which owns and manages the hall and the wider grounds, says it will be spending £295,000 on the repairs.

Recent surveys have uncovered problems at a stable block housing a visitor centre and the Nottingham Industrial Museum.

A document confirming the spending says: “Nottingham City Council are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the Wollaton Hall stable block and bothies.

“In conjunction with the NCC senior structural engineer, recent surveys have identified various areas and works required to the roof and ancillary areas on structural and health and safety grounds.

“Wollaton Hall stable block and bothies are Grade II listed buildings and an accredited museum.

“Maintaining the building and carrying out repairs is necessary to ensure the health and safety of visitors and employees, as these sites are essential in the delivery of services to meet budgeted income targets each financial year.”

The Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion, built between 1580 and 1588, was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2023 due to extensive water damage.

While the hall itself was built in the 1580s, the stable block was not put up until 1738.

The space incorporated a brewhouse and a laundry, as well as extensive accommodation – known as bothies – for servants.

The building, now home to the museum, was not added until 1829 and was originally built as a riding school to practise dressage.

A £15 fee for visitors over the age of 15 was introduced for the hall and the Natural History Museum within it in April.