Hoole Community Centre has recently been at risk of closure following difficulties arranging a new lease.
A meeting convened by Chester MP Chris Matheson on Thursday night (19th November 2020) saw agreement on a way forward which should enable the continuation of community services at the centre through to at least March 2023.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Hoole Community Development Trust, All Saints Church and Cheshire West & Chester Council.
During the meeting, a two-year transitional arrangement was agreed, during which time a new longer-term deal will be established.
All parties will need to consider the funding challenges associated with running community services as well as managing a Grade II listed building.
Mr Matheson commented: “In recent weeks it has become common knowledge that as a result of complex legal agreements that date back to Chester City Council days and beyond, the operating model of Hoole Community Centre had become unsustainable.
“Unpicking these issues during a global pandemic has meant that the trust, who run the building, and the church, who are the landlords, had reached a financial deadlock.
“I was pleased to have been able to bring all of the parties together to find a way forward.”
Until recently, Hoole Community Development Trust and Cheshire West & Chester Council held a lease on the building from All Saints Church.
Under the new arrangements, the trust will lease the building from the church directly and the council will provide a grant to support the trust during its transitional period.
Cllr Adam Langan represents the Newton and Hoole ward.
He said: “The Community Centre is the pride of Hoole, loved and used by many in the community and across the wider city.”
Cllr Langan added: “Agreeing the basis for a new way forward is a real relief and means that this investment from the council will benefit people in the Hoole community and beyond for years to come.”
The council’s commitment to the continuation of the centre will include a one-off transitionary grant of £18,000 plus capital works.
This includes repairs to the floor in the main hall, which will support the viability of the building in the future.
Recognising the risk to the future of the centre, a passionate campaign to save it was coordinated by Paula Norris, the centre’s manager.
She said: “The outcome of Thursday’s meeting is a significant step in the right direction and brings us closer to securing a long-term future for our services.
“This new arrangement gives us some breathing space so that we can start to plan up to 2023 – and hopefully beyond!
“I look forward to getting started on this with my team of staff and volunteers in the new year.”
She added: “Thank you to all of the residents who have supported us in recent weeks.”
All Saints Church vicar, John Kirkland, also commented on the meeting’s outcomes.
He said: “All Saints Church remains committed to seeing community services delivered through the community centre.
“We hope and pray that Thursday’s meeting will give us time to create the foundations of a new relationship with Hoole Community Development Trust, whereby we can reach a mutual agreement that enables All Saints and the trust to go on serving the people of Hoole in the future.”
Mr Matheson concluded by saying: “These are complex issues, but what I saw on Thursday night was a passionate group of local people, willing to work together, to put faith in each other’s commitment to find a workable solution.
“In the darkest of times, it is nice to see a bit of hope shining brightly in Hoole.”
