[20
MAY 99] SPON END FORUM PRESS RELEASE
Plans To Refurbish Moat Building In Spon EndThe
Spon End Forum have abandoned plans to convert a disused Butchers shop to a community
information office and instead will now put their efforts into the refurbishment of the
recently closed Moat Building at Spon Gate Primary School.
The 'Butchers Shop Plan' was originally developed as a
temporary solution to the lack of much needed community space in the area. The shop, in
Upper Spon Street, has been empty for over two years and was thought to be the ideal venue
for residents groups, a drop-in centre and festival office.
However city council property chiefs have delayed the plan
for over a year by being unprepared to reduce the rent and rates for community use.
The shop had always been considered a temporary measure
until the closure of the Victorian Moat Building at Spon Gate School. The old school
building has now been vacated and the Forum now believes that all of its efforts should be
put into the refurbishment of the listed building for community use.
Forum Chairman, Colin Walker, said:
"This building is a local landmark and one for which
there is a great deal of local affection. It will provide the ideal building for the Spon
End community as a meeting place, information centre and training facility. The land
around it will also provide a much needed amenity in an area deprived of open space."
The Forum now hopes to see the old butchers shop re-let as
shop space and are urging the city council to set realistic rents for the area.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Colin Walker Spon End Chair 0411 972272
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