Plan to restore Meersbrook Hall into ‘beating heart’ of Sheffield community
“It could and should thrive as a beating heart of the community”
Sheffield’s historic Meersbrook Hall could be revived into a “beating heart” of local community - and “hundreds” of neighbours are at the ready to make it happen.
The Friends of Meersbrook Hall group has formally launched a campaign to restore the 18th century manor and give it back to the public.
With over 60 rooms and set in the beautiful grounds of Meersbrook Park, the Friends say the possibilities are limitless, with events spaces, a family hub and artist’s studios all on the cards.
Chair Mark Cordle, who moved to the Meersbrook area two years ago, says “hundreds” of volunteers have already signed up and are “chomping at the bit” to get inside and start the grunt work of cleaning and decluttering.
Mark said: “It could and should thrive as a beating heart of the community.
“The picture of Meersbrook Hall in use and flourishing again as something people get stuff out of is a wonderful thought and far from impossible.
“As we’ve seen in so many other places, if you don’t use historic halls like this they fall to ruin, when it could be a real community asset.”
The Grade II listed 18th-century hall, which is owned by the council, has not seen regular use in nearly 25 years, but was most recently in the care of the Heeley Trust between 2016 and 2023.
The grandiose but compact grounds hide 60 rooms, including a picture gallery, library, lecture room, and what was once a museum dedicated to English artist and polymath John Ruskin.
Mark says early work has begun to establish what funding and grants are available, as well as how long it would take to bring the home into public use.
It includes revisiting plans drawn up by architecture students in 2018 who were challenged to reimagine the space.
Mark said: “We’ve had a number of very well attended public meetings and there is a real sense of energy towards finding a solution.
“The hall can really only be a community hub - it’s not convenient as private housing or offices, and it’s right in the heart of the park.
“It has gone unheated for several winters so there is some rotten wood and water damage to address first.
“We hope to invite people inside for tours on Heritage Day on September 24 so people can take a look around.
“We are also holding a picnic on September 13 to get the community together and build that energy and vision.
“Very few parks have a big heritage building like this that is a real focal point of history, and it has so much that can inspire.”
Another supporter is famous BBC Sheffield journalist Andy Kershaw, who is a joint secretary for the Friends.
Andy wrote in a post on LinkedIn on July 12: “This is a significant heritage asset for the city and needs to be protected and preserved.
“Our vision is for a thriving centre for arts, health, education, community activity and social enterprise. We have a new team, new energy and a new vision for this place.”
For more information, visit the Friends of Meersbrook Hall website: https://www.meersbrookhall.org.uk