Overview

• US actor Hopwood DePree has launched High Court proceedings seeking a declaration that he met the terms of a 2017 deal and is entitled to take ownership of the Grade II*-listed hall.
• He says the agreement allowed a £1 purchase once planning permission was secured, citing an October 2022 approval for use as an events, hospitality, education and visitor venue.
• DePree argues the council wrongly introduced new requirements for physical works and listed building consent before transfer, a condition he says was not in the original agreement.
• Rochdale Council confirms it let the options agreement end on 31 October last year, says no viable business case or funding emerged, and notes around £1.7m in repairs with partners such as Historic England.
• Access was restricted to volunteers after reported health and safety breaches, DePree alleges ‘shocking conduct’ based on FOI and SAR material, and the council has declined further comment due to ongoing legal action.