Saving the building is a long and protracted process and has involved lengthy negotiations with the present owners, the Lilford Estate, and others and there is still much to do before the restoration and building work can commence

The Tower and its 17th Century staircase are the features which give Bank Hall Grade 2* listed status, therefore it is essential to save and repair the Tower first. Some of this work has already been done in that scaffolding was erected around the Tower some years ago in order to stabilise it and avoid further collapse. Since this work has been done much of the Hall has suffered further deterioration caused by the elements. Following the recent signing of the Agreement for Lease in April 2009, the way forward is now defined in that the plans for both the Hall and the enabling development have to be finalised and approved by the present owners before submission to the local authority. All this has to be done fairly quickly and later this year certain procedures have to be carried out with the Heritage Lottery Fund concerning the Award that has already been granted. With this schedule in mind, it is anticipated that building work may commence in 2010.

END USE

For some time it has been anticipated that the end use of the building will be two-fold. The whole of the building is to be restored externally but the majority of the internal of the building is to be converted into private accommodation. The exception to this is the central area comprising the 1832 entrance hall, the hall behind it and the clock tower. These areas will be restored internally and will be open to the public on event days and at other times by arrangement. To facilitate all this work it is also necessary to construct some new properties in the area and this is the enabling development referred to above. It is also anticipated that the Potting Sheds area, former greenhouses and walled garden will also be restored and developed. The proposals for this area will be announced in due course.