The society have previously expressed its concern about various aspects of recent works at Dunston Hall, but have been reassured following a visit to the premises made in late April.

The committee saw at first hand the considerable and high quality work that has been carried out on the grade II listed house itself, into a high quality bespoke events and wedding venue, and in the conversion of outbuildings into a wedding and events location.  One of the converted out-buildings, also grade II listed, contains a number of historically and architecturally important cruck beams. Conversions are currently taking place on a number of other former farm buildings, some also grade II listed, into a high class food-hall, due to open later in the year, subject to necessary consents  The committee were able to see all this work and hear first-hand about it from Mark Lancashire, Dunston Hall’s Operations Director.

Says civic society chairman Howard Borrell; ‘A considerable amount of time and money – perhaps well in excess of £2 million – has been spent on the various recent schemes that have helped not only guarantee the future of the Dunston Hall, but its important outbuildings. Many of the latter, even those listed grade II, were in serious decay, but have been put back into use as a wonderful venue for things like weddings. The work is high-class and sympathetic to the historic environment. It has also injected money into the local economy through construction work and employment in the various aspects of the Dunston Hall business.

David and Lynsey Harrison have owned the hall and garden centre since late 2020. It was formerly more widely known only for its garden centre.  Phased work was carried out on restoring the house and estate to its former glory and the garden centre now has a popular bistro.

Another recent move has included purchasing what is described as the ‘deer park’ to the front of the house. This possibly dates to the 1820s update and additions to the hall. Here there are plans for tree-planting, other habitat improvements and better public access.

Members of the committee were keen to discuss issues such as car parking and noise generation. They heard about arrangements made for overflow parking and that marquee events had now ended, alongside other event noise reduction measures employed.

Comments Howard Borrell; ‘We have seen the quality finishes achieved here and spoken first hand to one of the people responsible for elements of the scheme. Taken as whole the development has certainly breathed new life into one of the town’s historic houses and estates.’