Major investment for Oakwell Hall as conservation works prepare to get underway
Oakwell Hall will undergo a major programme of conservation and improvement works, backed by more than £1.6 million from Arts Council England. The investment will help protect one of Kirklees’ most treasured historic buildings, preserve its unique character and improve accessibility for future visitors.
The Grade I listed Elizabethan hall is set within 110 acres of parkland and gardens. It will close to visitors from Monday 30 November 2026. Preparations for the work will begin ahead of teams starting work on site in the New Year.
Why is Oakwell Hall closing?
Oakwell Hall needs repairs to protect its historic structure and secure its future.
The building’s age means it requires investment to address the effects of time and weather. This programme of work will help make it more weatherproof, while preserving its historic features.
The investment is the most significant programme of work at Oakwell Hall for many years. It will help ensure the building remains an important part of Kirklees’ heritage for generations to come.
What work will take place?
The conservation programme will include:
- 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.
Together, these improvements will protect the building’s historic character while making the hall more accessible when it reopens.
The work also marks an important step towards 2028, when Oakwell hall will celebrate 100 years in public ownership.
When will Oakwell Hall reopen?
The hall is expected to remain closed throughout 2027, with a planned reopening in spring 2028.
As with any major conservation project, timescales may change as work progresses. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Can I still visit Oakwell Hall during the closure?
Although the hall itself will be closed, there will still be opportunities to enjoy the wider site.
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.
You can still discover Oakwell Hall’s history, rooms and collections through its virtual tour and the Bloomberg Connects app. These offer another way to explore the hall and learn about its stories while the conservation work takes place.
Find out how to access the free digital guides through the Bloomberg Connects app on our website.
Who is funding the work?
The project is being funded through a grant of more than £1.6 million from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development (MEND) Fund, alongside significant investment from Kirklees Council.
This support represents a major commitment to protecting one of Kirklees’ most important historic buildings and ensuring Oakwell Hall can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
Cllr Pip Harvey, Cabinet Member for Place, Culture and Volunteering, 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.
Importantly, there will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wider site while the hall is closed. The visitor centre, car park and parts of the gardens and grounds will remain open, so people can continue to visit and enjoy this beautiful place as the work progresses.
We would also like to thank Arts Council for providing funding and support for this milestone project.”
Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, 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.”