Friends of Firbeck Hall
The Friends group formed in April 2009, following a presentation by Don Scott, a Firbeck resident who gave a passionate and detailed presentation "The Golden Years" focusing on the period in the 1930's when Firbeck Hall operated as an exclusive country club, offering some of the finest accommodation, dining and leisure facilities in the UK.
Since then the building has had a variety of uses associated with healthcare, most recently as a recuperative treatment centre for injured mineworkers. The rehabilitation unit closed in the early 1990's and the site was acquired by a private owner in 1996. Sadly since then, the hall has steadily fallen into a state of disrepair; parts of the buildings and grounds have become overrun with invasive vegetation, protective lead has been stolen from the roof and the interiors vandalised by occasional intruders.
We were encouraged when a new owner acquired the site in 2010 with a view to redeveloping the site and restoring the Hall, initially considering reinstatement of the main building as a private residence. It quickly became clear that the restoration and development task is substantial and the process complex. Progress was slow due to a combination of factors including property market conditions and planning issues among others. Whilst site security was improved in an attempt to discourage further breaking and entering, unwelcome activity returned to Firbeck Hall and damage continues to contribute to the ongoing dilapidation of the building. We welcomed the restoration of West Lodge which was completed in early 2014, however to date progress with the main site remains limited. A further change of ownership occurred in 2014 and the change of ownership brought with it renewed enthusiasm to breathe new life into the site. We are certain that this appetite and ambition to restore the hall is genuine, and we strongly encourage all stakeholders to work together in the interests of restoring Firbeck Hall and the stable block. Revised plans have been drawn up and the consultation event held on 1st November 2016 in Firbeck Village Hall was well received. Formal plans for the restoration and development of the main Grade II listed building have not yet been submitted, however we are optimistic that these could be put forward in early 2017. We recognise that there remains a great deal of work to do to enable this to happen. Our stance as an organisation is supportive as it is quite clear that the current owners represent the best opportunity in recent times to save Firbeck Hall and preserve it for the benefit of future generations. The main structure of the Hall remains almost derelict and Firbeck village residents and many groups with interests in saving historic buildings have grown increasingly concerned for the future of this attractive and important building that occupies approximately 44 acres of wooded and conservation land, making up a substantial proportion of the Firbeck village footprint.
FoFH does not wish to be viewed as a protest group, but seeks to encourage the owner to work with the local council and other relevant authorities to take the necessary action to ensure that the buildings and land are preserved, maintained and where possible developed into a positive future use. The group has no agenda or requirements for future uses of Firbeck Hall beyond it's general preservation. FoFH is of course well aware that any commercial development will require substantial investment and thus a viable business case.
FoFH has a growing membership of almost 550 people who would like to see this fabulous building restored and in daily use once again. Membership of Friends of Firbeck Hall is by subscription and is available for a nominal £1 to cover administrative costs. We publish a newsletter three times a year with an update on development progress interspersed with interesting articles of historical, social and environmental interest.
If you would like more details and would like to join our campaign, please send an email to: friends@firbeckhall.net
