AN exciting project to turn Bewsey Old Hall into a major tourist attraction was unveiled this week.

A £2.5 million scheme has been drawn up by the Bewsey Old Hall Conservation Project for a heritage centre of regional importance.

The ancient monument is one of Warrington's oldest buildings, dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with the adjacent farmhouse and other alterations carried out in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The hall was bought in 1974 by the Commission for New Towns which is now offering it for sale.

Members of the Conservation Project gave a presentation of their plans to Warrington Borough Council's Community Services Committee on Tuesday.

The main feature is the re-enactment of life in the hall from 1586 to 1617 through room settings designed to re-create the mood and atmosphere of the time, costume, furniture, artefacts, language and stories.

Funding for the project is being sought from the National Heritage Lottery Fund and it is hoped to gain support from the European Community and central Government sources.

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