Kirklees tees up start on Oakwell Hall
The listed Elizabethan destination will undergo a programme of conservation and improvement works, backed by more than £1.6m from Arts Council England.
Kirklees Council said the investment will help protect one of the borough’s most treasured historic buildings, preserve its unique character and improve accessibility for future visitors.
Procurement for the main contractor is yet to start.
Grade one-listed, the hall is set within 110 acres of parkland and gardens. The building will close to visitors from Monday 30 November 2026, with preparation work then taking place ahead of work proper starting in the New Year.
The expected timeline for the Birstall project is for the hall to reopen in spring 2028. The attraction is close to Junction 27 of the M62.
Kirklees said that Oakwell Hall needs repairs to protect its historic structure and secure its future, with a programme of weatherproofing central to the project.
Also inked in are:
- Major roof repairs and replacement, including repairs to historic roof timbers.
- Repairs to the hall’s historic stonework.
- Improvements to rainwater drainage systems.
- Conservation of historic windows and internal features.
- A new accessible toilet on the ground floor.
Oakwell Hall will celebrate 100 years in public ownership in 2028.
Although the hall itself will be closed, there will still be opportunities to enjoy the wider site, the council said. The visitor centre and car park will remain open, and visitors will be able to explore the wider grounds, including the upper sections of the Walled Garden.
The project is being funded through a grant of more than £1.6m from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development (MEND) Fund, alongside significant investment from Kirklees Council.
Cllr Pip Harvey, cabinet member for place, culture and volunteering at Kirklees, said: “Oakwell Hall is such an important part of who we are in Kirklees. It’s part of our heritage, our history and our identity, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re investing in it.
“It’s about looking after these special places, making sure they’re here for future generations and giving the opportunity to enjoy and be part of the history that makes Kirklees so special.
Rebecca Ball, area director North at Arts Council England, said: “Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life.
“I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”
