Bid to save 50-year-old social club for community

5 Feb 2019 11:20
Published by: Dave Fletcher

Horwich RMI has been nominated as an asset of community value, which would give community groups priority to buy the club if it goes on the market.

The 50-year-old club in Ramsbottom Road was nominated by the town council.

Bolton Council will now consider the nomination and make a decision within eight weeks.

If accepted, the town council, or another eligible community group would have six weeks to express an interest in buying the building.

This would trigger a six-month freeze period during which the asset cannot be sold, giving time to develop a proposal and raise the capital required to bid for the asset.

Town councillor Steven Chadwick stressed the significance of the building for the community, arguing it is the most important building in the area.

The Horwich First member said it is the last venue of this size and nature in Horwich capable of hosting large events and community functions.

He said: “If the owners wanted to sell it they couldn’t just sell it tomorrow. It gives the opportunity for a bid that could be rejected – but it gives the option.”

Cllr Chadwick described the decision as an “important step” in protecting key buildings in Horwich.

The move comes ahead of the Horwich Neighbourhood Plan which will present the borough council with a full list of assets of community value.

He said he could not wait up to two years for the neighbourhood plan process to complete so proposed to nominate the community club immediately.

Last year, plans were revealed to sell the club and develop a new “modern-day” venue following financial struggles.

At the time, a spokesman for the club said the current building was too big and was not attracting enough bookings.

Currently the only buildings listed as assets of community value in Horwich are The Bridge Inn, nominated by CAMRA, and The University of Bolton Stadium, nominated by the Bolton Wanderers FC Supporters’ Trust.

 

You may be interested in