Star date: 14th February 2017

MANSION BID IGNORED BY COUNCIL FOR FIVE MONTHS!

A community bid to take over the derelict Buile Hill Mansion has been blanked by Salford City Council and its joint venture company, Urban Vision, for five months.

Three groups, led by Salford Red Devils Foundation, submitted an expression of interest after the Mansion was advertised for sale last September but, so far, they have not even had an acknowledgement of the bid... "It's very frustrating" says John Blackburn of the Foundation "The potential is there to do something for the people of Salford."

Full details here...

It was at the end of last summer when Salford City Council's joint venture company, Urban Vision, advertised the Grade II listed Buile Hill Park Mansion for sale at a 'nominal rent', asking for 'informal tenders' by September 16th.

A community bid and expression of interest for the historic building was lodged by Salford Red Devils Foundation with the Sounds of Salford Radio and the Irwell Valley Mining Project by that date – but nothing has been heard since.

"It's very frustrating" says John Blackburn of the Foundation "As well as the three organisations that put in the bid we have support from other community groups, commercial groups and entrepreneurs, as well as interest from the Lottery.

"But Urban Vision has just not responded and we're still waiting for some official feedback after five months; we can't even get a meeting" he adds "I just think it's unprofessional because we can't get a proper survey done or compile a schedule or anything. It's very frustrating. The potential is there to do something for the people of Salford."

The community plans include 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 which the Council closed in the cuts of 2000.

There would also be radio and media training for local young people, a possible art and heritage centre and antiques market, a cafe and constant community activities in the currently derelict `jewel in the crown' of Salford...

"It ticks all the boxes" John explains "I've spoken to councillors and the MP who said they would back it; they're all saying 'It sounds great'...but nothing seems to be getting passed on. We want to work with the Council and we believe that the place could be packed out, that it could work as there's nothing around for local people.

"I don't mind even if they get in touch and say our bid is not sustainable, not good enough, and then at least we can we can move on" he adds "But we just haven't heard anything."

Meanwhile, Simon Williams of The Sounds of Salford Radio station, who also helped launch the community bid, is livid..

"We met them and they said 'Put an expression of interest in', and we did but there's been nothing since" he says "We were expecting them to tell us where we go from here; to get a survey or put in a business plan or something but they've not asked us for anything.

"We want to take kids off the streets and give them something, and provide a centre for local people" he adds "You'd think the Council would be grateful but they are just blanking us, and, it seems, not taking us seriously."

Buile Hill Mansion is still being advertised for sale on Urban Vision's website – with the closing date of September 16th 2016.

For a full background see previous Salford Star article - Salford Community Bid For Buile Hill Park Mansion - click here