Dream to save Bee Gees’ debut venue still alive
A Manchester community group has won a stay of execution in its fight to save the building where the Bee Gees performed for the first time.
Landlords the Co-op has announced that it has given The Chorlton Community Land Trust (CLT) further time to secure end users for its community–focused redevelopment of The Co-op Funeralcare building in the south Manchester suburb.
The CLT will now work with a commercial development partner to confirm their delivery plan to allow the Co-op to sell their interest to CLT who will then redevelop the site, retaining the former Gaumont Cinema building.
Co-op has always been supportive of the ambition behind the CLT bid to redevelop the site with uses that would appeal to our local members and the wider Chorlton community.
It was keen, however, to ensure that the aspiration was supported by a clear proposal that is deliverable.
CLT has demonstrated that this additional time will enable them to firm up their plans to deliver a development for local enterprises and community-focussed services and facilities.
Local Co-op members have been enthusiastic supporters of the Community Land Trust plans and for them this represents a great example of how their Co-op can help a community that is using co-operative approaches to meeting local needs.
Despite The Co-op receiving higher bids for its property, it will accept CLT’s published offer of £2.2m on the basis that the final proposal delivers the key community elements CLT has stated.
The Co-op will work with CLT during this period as they develop their proposal. If a sale to the CLT does not proceed, The Co-op will go ahead with alternative development plans for the property.
A spokesman for The Co-op said: “Throughout this process we’ve looked to ensure an outcome which would benefit the community and a solution for the site which is deliverable and sustainable.
“The Co-op is a different kind of business with community and sustainability at our core and contrary to some reports, the sale of our Funeralcare building was never just about achieving the best financial value for our members.
“We are pleased, therefore, to announce a way forward with CLT, that we hope will ensure the use of the site in the future that will benefit the local community.”
Steve Goslyn, Chorlton CLT Chair said: “We are delighted with this outcome, and look forward to working with the Co-op and the Chorlton community to bring together a wide range of entrepreneurial and creative talents, and interests, to fully realise our vision for the old Gaumont Cinema to be transformed as the heart of our community.”
