Star date: 8th August 2017

SALFORD COUNCIL IN TALKS WITH COMMUNITY OVER MANSION TAKEOVER

A community bid to take over the running of Buile Hill Park Mansion is now moving forward, with Urban Vision asking for more details to take the process to the next level.

The Salford Star understands that Salford Council had three options for the Grade II listed building which has lain empty for almost 15 years, but prefers to see the community bid, spearheaded by Salford Red Devils Foundation, the Sounds of Salford Radio and the Irwell Valley Mining Project, come to fruition...

Full details here...

After almost a year of indecision, the Salford Star understands that Salford Council is now ready to make progress on a community bid to take over the running of Buile Hill Park Mansion.

The Grade II listed building has lain empty for almost 15 years, since the former Salford Mining Museum was axed in the cuts of 2000. Despite attempts by former Salford Reds owner, John Wilkinson, to turn it into a private hotel against community opposition, nothing came of the plans and Salford's 'jewel in the crown' remains derelict.

Last year, Salford City Council's joint venture company, Urban Vision, advertised the Mansion at a 'nominal rent', asking for 'informal tenders', and an expression of interest was lodged by a community consortium spearheaded by Salford Red Devils Foundation, the Sounds of Salford Radio and the Irwell Valley Mining Project.

The community plans included a possible rugby museum, featuring not just Salford Reds but Swinton, Broughton Rangers and Salfordian William Web Ellis, credited with inventing the game. It would also see acknowledgements of Francis Hodgson Burnett whose famous book, The Secret Garden, was written following visits to the Mansion, and a possible restoration of the Salford Mining Museum.

The plans also included radio and media training for local young people, a possible art and heritage centre and antiques market, a cafe and constant community activities...But there was almost no response from Urban Vision or the Council (see previous Salford Star article – click here).

In the meantime, the Salford Star understands that two other commercial bids for the property have been lodged with the Council, leaving three options for the Mansion...but the community bid is now the preferred plan.

While he remains extremely cautious, John Blackburn of the Salford Red Devils Foundation, confirms that Urban Vision has been in touch asking for further details...

"The Mayor and Council are interested in taking our bid to the next stage but there's a long way to go" he says "We've been given the nod to go ahead and produce structured business plans and look at funding possibilities. I'm not over confident but it is exciting..."