Developers have promised the long-awaited work on restoring historic Newall Green Farm will start soon.

It had been feared the historic building in Wythenshawe would have to be demolished following a fire last year.

But local campaigners rallied round in and in an impressive display of community spirit, demanded action to save the  16th century listed building, setting up a Facebook group, which has gained dozens members.

New owners Zeno Ltd announced plans to develop the site for the benefit of the local community as a registered cared home while maintaining the essential features of the historic building.

The firm met with residents who gave the plans their backing.But hopes for the future of the building began to fade as progress appeared to halt for several months.

However, the breakthrough came last month as Zeno’s MD Andrew Marcus Milne announced that work on the site should be starting shortly, following a settlement with insurers.

In a Facebook post Mr Milne said: “Fingers crossed, we are nearly there now.”

Campaign organiser, Darren Haigh thanked locals in the community for their support and urged people to continue to campaign for the area’s heritage. He said: “Places like Newall Green Farm will only survive, with community interest and pressure. Lets encourage this new development, enjoy it for years to come and use the group as a backbone to campaign for retention of Wythenshawe’s heritage.”

Newall Green Farm was built in the sixteenth century and fell into disrepair when its last occupants died.

It was sold to property  developers who wanted to build luxury flats. But they abandoned the scheme when planning permission was refused.

New owners Zeno took control of the site last year.