'I moved to Rochdale from Hollywood because I trusted the council... what a life lesson this shocking experience has been'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A Grade II listed hall has become the focus of a furious spat. And that spat is between two unlikely contenders - Rochdale council and a Hollywood actor.

The council said it has decided to cut ties with Hopwood DePree amid the restoration of Hopwood Hall. Back in 2017, excitement was building as the council entered into an ‘exclusivity agreement’ with American actor, writer and filmmaker Hopwood DePree - who vowed to restore the 1420s hall.

Having decided to ditch Hollywood for Middleton and the Grade-II* listed hall, Mr DePree instigated a community effort to restore it, powered by volunteers. READ MORE: Chaos as key roundabout left underwater twice in three weeks Many members of the community bought into his vision to transform the hall as Mr DePree was granted planning permission to carry out work in 2022.

As well as fixing the deteriorating interior of the hall, which had been left to rack and ruin, there was a masterplan for the building’s future use.