An American filmmaker, Hopwood DePree, has lost his High Court attempt to acquire Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Rochdale, for £1. Mr DePree, who states he has ancestral connections to the Grade II-listed property, expressed his disappointment following the judge's decision.
Mr DePree had argued that a 2017 agreement with Rochdale Council provided him with the option to purchase the hall once he had secured planning permission for its restoration and redevelopment. However, Judge David Hodge KC determined that the necessary conditions for the transfer of ownership had not been fulfilled.
Rochdale Council decided in 2022 not to transfer ownership to Mr DePree. A council spokesperson said they were pleased with the judgment, noting that the legal costs amounted to approximately £150,000, which the council is expected to seek from Mr DePree. The council also stated that over £1.6m has been spent on the hall by the council and Historic England since 2017, with further investment in repairs planned while its long-term future is considered.
Mr DePree said he was "incredibly disappointed" and described it as "a sad day". He added that he is discussing the next steps with his legal team and stated, "We are not giving up. Hopwood Hall must be saved."