The historic All Saints' Church in llkley, has been announced as the ‘preferred applicant’ to take over the running of a medieval Manor House lying next to it which recently had to close down as a museum.
The decision was taken by Bradford Council this week (May 19) and the church now has six months to prepare plans for the future management and operation of llkley Manor House Museum, one of the town's oldest buildings, and its associated properties.
The decision will end months of concerns about this historic property, and the church says the decision will give reassurance that the people of llkley will have continued access and use of the opportunities the Manor House provides. Both the church and Manor house date back to Anglo-Saxon times and were built – and later rebuilt - on the site of a Roman fort above the River Wharfe.
Revd Patrick Bateman, Vicar at All Saints', said, "We are delighted that Bradford Council have the vision and desire to continue with the Manor House being managed from within the community, and we're honoured that they have the confidence for us to lead on this.
“We now have a six-month period for us to undertake due diligence on opportunities and liabilities, to work closely with the Council, and to consult with a whole range of other community-interest groups. We will develop a detailed and sustainable plan that balances respect for heritage with the needs of the people of llkley and our wider community."
All Saints' Church is already embarking on a major development project costing more than £1 million to re-order the church itself, upgrade the church halls, and build a new link building. Patrick Bateman says this latest development will bring an even bigger opportunity. "Combining together the overall site and facilities of Manor House, Church, Church House, the new building and Castle Yard will enable a multi-use operation of benefit to so many people. We are already getting on with preparing more detailed plans, and having conversations with other organisations in the town. Whilst this project brings new challenges, we share real excitement about the possibilities that may open up. We'll play our part to ensure that the Manor House is not lost to our local community."
In March four organisations submitted an expression of interest in taking over running of the museum and gallery from Bradford Council, which was closed to the public on Monday, 13 April.
The decision to confirm Ilkley All Saints Parochial Church Council as the preferred applicant was taken at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, May 19.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: "We are extremely grateful to the Manor House Friends and the New Manor House Group for their support in helping the Council achieve its ambition to move the site to community management.
"The process has been slightly longer than we first anticipated and I am grateful to those involved for their patience and understanding. I look forward to working with Ilkley PPC as we embark on a new future for the site."