Bryn community hub plan is shortlisted to final three

Coun Jones (centre) with Courtney Bampton, children Tommy and Lilly-Mae and Ben Charlton from the support centre

Not-for-profit group Bryn Support Centre has reached the final three of the bidding process for The Diamond Club in Grey Road.

The organisation has applied to take over the building and turn it into a hub for everyone.

Under the bid, there would be a cafe and advice centre housed at the venue, while it would also play host to a boxing and youth club and various bingo nights.

Coun Steve Jones, who helped set-up the group and already runs a shop at Bryn Cross offering cheap food for struggling families, thanked people for their part in their bid.

He said: “Bryn is one step closer to finally getting a community centre.

“Bryn Support Centre applied to take over the Diamond Club on Old Road and turn it into a community centre for all ages.

“Our business plan is to run a pay as you feel cafe four days a week, as well as an advice centre in the day.

“Weekends and evenings will see all activities from our boxing club and youth club, bingo nights, events and much more.

“Thank you to all the local groups and charities who have partnered up with us in this bid.”

A decision on the bidding is expected by Wigan Council at the end of the month.

It comes after the council put the building up for a five-year lease.

The authority had invited groups to place interests in the building and it has seen them have to submit a business plan.

If the group is victorious, members then hope to be able to open the community centre up later this year.

Coun Jones, who said he was inspired to make the bid by his belief that Bryn needed a community centre, added: “As far as we know we are the only group offering this and local in the Bryn area.”

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