Winter 2023A short history of Hare Hill House: 1901 to now

Hare Hill House in Littleborough was originally the home of four generations of the Newall family from 1775 until the 1900s, a family which played a significant role in the development of Littleborough as a thriving and important Pennine town for 14 generations, from 1453 to 1901.

It also served as the town hall for the now-defunct Littleborough Urban District Council, offices for Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council until 2010, and is now used by the local community for a variety of causes.

The house’s grounds would later become Hare Hill Park, now a Green Flag park with several Grade II listed features.

In 1901, Hare Hill House became the home of the-then Littleborough Urban District Council (1894-1974), which added Littleborough Library in 1903, thanks to a gift of £2,600 from Andrew Carnegie.

The house and park subsequently transferred to Rochdale Council on the dissolution of the UDC, and was used by the local authority until 2010.

Hare Hill House also played a huge part during World War Two, as its cellar became an air raid shelter for officers. An original air filter still present in the cellar dates back to 1939.

Volunteers tracked down the company which made it and discovered the only other surviving air filter is currently housed in the Imperial War Museum.

After the house had lain vacant for three years, the MoorEnd Development Trust, a local charity, took charge in 2013. Part of the house is today occupied by small businesses, including an accountant, surveyor, councillors, an IT company, artists and crafters.

The restoration of being led by project champion Nick Andrews, who is leading an enthusiastic and growing group of willing volunteers to give it a new role as a creative community hub for all of Littleborough’s residents.

With the support of the Hare Hill Heroes and the local community, the house is being refurbished and many of its original features – such as a centuries-old fresco and original hearth tiles – are once again being uncovered.

Who uses Hare Hill House?

Currently, an array of community groups meet at the house on a weekly basis, with a quarterly artisan market each season.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet on Monday evenings from 7pm until 8.30pm.

A members’ only lunch club for those who are isolated or need in need of social interaction meet from 11am until 1.30pm on Tuesdays.

Ladies Chill and Chat from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesdays. It’s all about making new friends over a brew and connecting with others. For all ages.

BLOKES, a support group for men suffering from loneliness, meet on a Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm until 3.30pm. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, cakes and biscuits over a game of dominoes, cards or darts. For all ages - ages range from men in their 20s to men in their 70s and 80s, with attendees coming from all over.

Sisters in Stitch meet on a Wednesday night from 7pm to 9pm.

Volunteers meet from 10.30am on Thursdays onwards to carry out refurbishment work.

An ‘art 4 all’ workshop by Your Trust takes place from 1.30pm to 4pm on Thursdays.

A variety of other groups including U3A crafters and creative writing groups, Rochdale DS Allstars and Friends of Hare Hill Park, also meet monthly at the House.

MoorEnd Development Trust

Anyone who is interested in volunteering in the restoration of Hare Hill House can get in touch with Nick Andrews via: or mobile 07880 335437