Campaign to save historic Irish club fails as property put up for sale
One of Manchester’s oldest and most popular Irish clubs has been put up for sale.
A campaign was launched to save Chortlon Irish Club on High Lane last year after it was hit by a huge tax bill.
But it appears the campaign has failed after the premises, which is on prime land in the desirable south Manchester suburb, were put on the market.
The club and its car park is being offered for sale as a “prime redevelopment opportunity” by real estate advisors Colliers International.
Acting on behalf of trustees of the club founded in 1956, the Manchester office of Colliers is marketing the property.
Located on a 0.81-acre (0.33 hectare) site on High Lane/Cross Road, the two-storey Irish Association Social Club with parking for more than 60 cars has operated as a private member, licensed social club for more than half a century.
It staged public and private events including parties, dance classes, traditional Irish music, Bop Local party nights and book launches.
The club became a popular meeting place for the Irish community in Manchester and further afield.
Members included legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby and appearances by famous people including John Bishop, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Kay.
Tom Lathwood, surveyor, residential, city and suburban development at Colliers International, said: “Located at the heart of one of south Manchester’s most prosperous and vibrant communities, Chorlton Irish Club represents a prime redevelopment opportunity and despite these unique and difficult times, we expect a strong level of interest from a wide range of potential buyers.”
Trustees of the popular Irish establishment announced plans to wind up the existing business and reopen as a new private members club last April.
The move came after the was issued with a £117,000 VAT bill.
A statement posted on the Chorlton Irish Club Facebook at the time said: “Following successive years of failure to manage the VAT accounts of the club and recent failure to produce Annual Accounts to the members for inspection the Trustees were issued with charges by HMRC in December last.
“For amounts in excess of £117,000 for unpaid VAT and other taxes due by the club. This amount is expected to grow to approx £140,000 with further estimates and surcharges.
“Following a Joint Statement by the Trustees issued to the management they seized control of the premises at 17 High Lane on 1st April 2019 on behalf of the members. The Trustees have decided to cease trading as The Irish Association Social Club on 31st March 2019.
“Auditors have been appointed to wind up the financial affairs of IASC as of that date.”
