RENOVATION work is under way at Walton Hall and Gardens to bring the famous conservatory back to its original state thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In partnership with Warrington Borough Council together with Walton Lea Project, Myerscough College and the Friends of Walton Estate it comes as part of an immense project to bring new purpose to the site by supporting education, training and heritage.

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for culture, leisure and community, said: “I’m delighted that work has started on the conservatories. We have worked very hard with our partners to bring in this funding which will benefit the whole Walton Estate.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we will now be able to restore, not only the grand conservatories but all the beautiful buildings associated with the range to their former glory and setting within the gardens.”

As part of the project, the Old Riding School opened its doors to the public last month, after seven months of renovation work.

Originally built as equestrian training facilities and stables, it was used to house ancillary fire engines during the Second World War, before becoming disused.

The building has been restored to full use, and will be used as a multi-purpose events space as part of the wider estate this summer.

With visitors to Walton Hall and Gardens having witnessed a number of changes in recent years, The Friends of Walton Estate are looking to collect and record memories to create a possible, full picture of life in the past and show people’s affection for the site.

They are asking for previous workers, residents and the general public to get in touch and talk of days spent in Walton Gardens in the hope of producing a Book of Memories.

Residents have already come forward to talk of their connections with the estate, with student Emily Russon intending to research aspects of the Greenall family history as part of her degree.

For further details, see the noticeboard in the Stables Gallery in the Heritage Yard where photos of the estate will be presented.

To contribute to the process contact The Friends of Walton Estate via Facebook or by emailing waltonestatememories@yahoo.com.