HOPES of restoring a derelict 19th century building and bringing it back to life have not been forgotten – but the council cannot afford to “go it alone”.

Talks over the restoration of Rock Hall at Moses Gate Country Park have been taking place behind the scenes for years but its future use remains unknown.

The Conservative have pledged to continue discussions over the derelict building “as a priority” as they enter a second a year in control of the council.

The Grade-II Listed building, which was built in 1807 for the papermaking Crompton family, is even mentioned in the new agreement signed by the Lib Dems, UKIP and the independent parties which keeps the Tories in power.

But council leader David Greenhalgh said the local authority, which owns the site, cannot afford to bring the building back into use without external funding.

He said: “This is going to cost a lot of money to do. We see the benefit delivering it, but it all depends on what we can achieve at the moment.

“We won’t have the funding ourselves to go it alone – that’s for sure.

“But we’re already doing work with it and have identified what needs to be done for our aspirations.”

Cllr Greenhalgh was tight-lipped when asked about the potential future use of the premises, which was last occupied by park rangers and used as an office.

But it is understood that ideas include a cafe, visitors’ centre or leisure facility.

Last year,  a sign which said “unique leasing opportunity” went up on the gates outside Rock Hall as the council commissioned a feasibility study on its future.

But Little Lever and Darcy Lever councillor Sean Hornby said this approach has now been scrapped by the local authority.

Farnworth councillor Paul Sanders said: “Councillors have helped to signpost interested groups through to the council’s growth and regeneration department and have been aware of ongoing negotiations.

“It’s fair to say that it will be a monumental task for any successful group to restore the building and bring it back into public use following years of neglect.

“Rock Hall is a treasured building locally, in the gem that is Moses Gate Country Park, and it was important that the hall was put into the political agreement so that it cannot be forgotten about any longer.

“We will always champion Rock Hall and remain hopeful that a group with investment plans could see the hall take on a new lease of life.”