A Georgian mansion in Buile Hill Park in Salford could be converted into a boutique hotel. The Grade II-listed mansion is where the classic children’s novel 'The Secret Garden’ was written. Sadly it has stood derelict for the last 15 years.

Planning permission was granted in 2010 which would have seen the mansion converted into a hotel with five suites, a ballroom and lounge linked by a glass walkway to an 80-bedroom extension. Whilst planning permission has now expired Salford City Council remain committed to finding a sustainable, long-term future for Buile Hill. It views future hotel use as its most promising option. Talks are currently in progress over a possible sale.

Buile Hill mansion was built in 1827 as the home of Sir Thomas Potter, the first Lord Mayor of Manchester and co-founder of the Manchester Guardian, the forerunner of The Guardian. It closed its doors for the last time in 2000 when it was the home for Lancashire Mining Museum. The building has been boarded up ever since.

Details: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk