Hopwood Depley, a former US filmmaker, moved from Los Angeles to Manchester in 2017 to restore the historic Hopwood Hall in Middleton. After signing a contract with Rochdale Borough Council allowing him to purchase the building for £1, he invested £750,000 into restoration efforts, developing plans to turn it into an event venue. However, tensions escalated, leading the council to claim that Depley did not meet the agreement’s terms, ultimately shutting him out in November 2024.
Depley, inspired by family stories of “Hopwood Castle,” began his project after discovering the real hall’s existence in 2013. The building, dating back to the 1420s, had fallen into disrepair, and he spent years working on its restoration. Although he received planning permission in 2022, the council stated that Depley failed to present a viable business model and thus did not renew the options agreement, despite having invested a significant amount of public funds in repairs.
Depley argues that he has adhered to the contract and possesses a “clear vision” for the hall’s future, challenging the council’s claims in court. He expressed deep commitment to the project, stating that he sacrificed his life in the U.S. for its restoration. The council, in turn, has emphasized its responsibility to explore alternative options to protect public investments in the hall.
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