Historic 'at-risk' former hospital could be saved as demolition work begins around it

An historic former hospital building could be saved from demolition and transformed under plans from a developer. Basford House, at the former Stretford Memorial Hospital in Trafford, was one 11 Greater Manchester buildings added to a national heritage at-risk register earlier this year.

It was built in 1860 as a mansion for cotton baron Henry Beecroft Jackson, was used by the British Red Cross as an auxiliary hospital in the First World War, and became a maternity unit from 1925 to 1985. Joy Division singer Ian Curtis and pop star Andy Gibb - the younger brother of Bee Gees trio Barry, Robin and Maurice - were among those to be born there.

It later became a geriatric hospital until it closed its doors nine years ago, when services moved to Trafford General Hospital. Demolition work has now begun on the 20th century buildings at Seymour Grove, which were added to Stretford Memorial Hospital after it became part of the NHS.

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Surrounded by bulldozers and demolition signs, the work had prompted concerns that the historic Basford House could be lost. But Promenade Estates, the developer behind plans to transform the site, insists it intends to save the locally listed heritage building.

Daniel Hynd, managing director at Promenade Estates, said: “It’s a lovely heritage building, and we have a long track record of sympathetic restoration of properties of this type and quality. First, we’ve got to get under its skin and make it secure, as it’s not in the best condition."

The site had stood empty since its closure in 2015 and is considered to be in a 'very poor condition'. Two years ago, urban explorer Jake Parr shared images from inside the old hospital - where the remains of equipment and beds could be seen.

Promenade Estates received a Section 80 approval from Trafford Council to demolish the later additions to the site, which were considered 'unsympathetic' to the historic Basford House. The work will allow the developer to undertake further structural surveys to identify the nature and scale of interventions required to restore the building.

Mr Hynd added: “With buildings that have been left to the elements for this long there can be all manner of hidden issues, so we’re stabilising the building whilst identifying what type of work will be required. We are in constant dialogue with the local authority and a common-sense approach should see the building retained and restored.”

Once surveys have taken place following demolition of the newer buildings, the developer should be in a position to reveal its future plans for Basford House. Promenade Estates acquired the site from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in October 2022.

The company has previously won recognition for its restoration work of other heritage buildings, including the Grade II* listed art deco former airport terminal building in Liverpool. Manchester-based Buttress Architects, which specialises in preserving heritage buildings, is also advising the company.