News / Barton Hill
Boost for project to redevelop pub into community and youth centre
Those leading a project to transform a former pub in Barton Hill into a community space say it will provide a “significant boost for the area”.
The vision of Wellspring Settlement is for the Swan on the corner of Morley Street and Bright Street to be fully redeveloped and for the ground floor to be open for community use during the day and youth work after school and on evenings and weekends.
Bosses say a £30,000 funding injection from the Nisbet Trust brings them one step closer to making that vision a reality and will mean work to complete the roof, strengthen the structure and make the building watertight can be completed.
is needed now More than ever
Wellspring is hopeful of securing planning permission for the project in the near future.
The first floor of the former pub will be used as a work space and office for the Somali Resource Centre, which provides free information, advice and guidance on a range of issues, including welfare, housing, schools and employment.
Wellspring will be working with the Somali Resource Centre towards the end of the summer and autumn to give young people the opportunity to say what they would like to see happening in the Swan when it is completed.
The charity has said: “We cannot wait to finish the building as we want it to be a significant boost to this area, particularly for the young people who have had a tough time of it over the last couple of years.
“It will be brilliant to see something new opening for the community that people of all ages and from all backgrounds can share and enjoy each other’s company in. This is what people are telling us they want and it will be a real privilege to make that happen.”
Wellspring invites any providers of youth work who would like to use the premises to get in touch, especially anyone thinking about running volunteer-led activities for local young people, led by local people.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: Hope disused Barton Hill building will be restored for community use
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