Manchester City Council has made a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in order to secure funding towards the restoration of the historic Heaton Hall.

The council has earmarked the restoration of the hall as the final part of a three-phase programme of improvements at Heaton Park in North Manchester, which has already seen the renovation of four of the park's other historic listed buildings including the Dower House and Temple.

The council's application to the HLF lists the amount it needs to complete the £9.4m project.

Phases one and two of the work, which began in 2000 and were completed in 2005, included the rebuilding of the four-mile long park wall, the creation of new play areas, cafes and car parks, the introduction of a brand new, purpose built Animal Centre and the re-creation of the historic landscape around Heaton Hall.

According to council plans, the third phase of restoration will focus on the Grade I listed Heaton Hall. Designed by James Wyatt for the 1st Earl of Wilton in 1772, the Hall was described by the architect Pevsner as 'one of the finest neo-classical 18th century buildings in the north of England, if not the whole country'.

If the bid for funding is successful the investment will go towards returning the building to its former glory and the introduction of a series of activities and educational programmes to bring the house into the heart of the community.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure, said: "Heaton Hall is of immense historical importance to the city and we must preserve this well-loved building for generations to come.

"We have worked closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund on previous improvements to the park and have now submitted a robust proposal to bid for funding for this all-important final stage of restoration."

Because of Heaton Hall's Grade I status, the proposed work will be carried out by specialist consultants and contractors experienced in working on heritage buildings, and the project will also create opportunities for those training in traditional skills.

The bid submitted in December is a round one bid, and a decision from the HLF is expected in May. If successful the project will then be further developed into a second round bid, which will be submitted later on in the year.