Make way for housing
The former community centre at the juction of Cross Street and Woodford Street, Pemberton, that is to be auctioned off
AN UNUSED and ramshackle community centre is to go under the hammer in the hope of making space for family housing.
Wigan Council is in talks to sell the former community centre in Woodford Street, Pemberton, at auction in the next few months.
As the building, which has been empty for some time, is suffering from dry rot and is in such a state of disrepair, the authority had little option but to dispose of it.
Although no firm plans have been put forward, council chiefs say they expect that the site will be bulldozed and replaced with new family housing.
Martin Wright, head of service for assets and contracts at Wigan Council, said: “The building is in very poor condition and is suffering from extensive dry rot, meaning that it is beyond economic repair.
“Preparations are currently under way to enable its disposal at auction within the next few months.
“It is anticipated that the building will be demolished and replaced with new family housing.”
Ward councillor, Jeanette Prescott, said she was delighted that something was being done with the building, as it was such a blight in the area.
She said; “The building is in a really bad condition and the council had to shut the place down. It was really well used but unfortunately some buildings don’t always last.
“Now it is going to be auctioned off and I could not be more happier as it is now such an eyesore.
“I would like it to be restored and used again but I also welcome the fact that the site could be used to build new houses on in the future.
“Coun Paul Prescott and I support this new plan, as anything which creates new affordable housing for local residents is great and it has to be better than what we have now.
“I think the residents of Pemberton will be pleased to know that the building is going to auction and hopefully put to better use.”
The community centre was the base for many activities and groups, including Pemberton Community Association,
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Thursday 23 May 2013
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