A former hairdressers in Eccles is getting a new lease on life with plans to turn it into the town’s first chess café.
Barbara Farrar, Head of the Chess Community club currently hosts games within her own home however she wishes for a new base of operations that promotes inclusivity and community.
As an Eccles local she believes that “Eccles is rundown”, so she hopes that the café can be a place where people from all walks of life and social backgrounds can learn to play chess.
Mrs. Farrar expressed the importance of the community and especially those who doesn’t have much. She said: “It’s for people who don’t have a lot of money, the tea and coffee is basically free, all we ask is for a small donation, even something as small as £1.”
The building, formerly “Top Notch” hair dressers will take time to “get watertight” with the estimated cost at around £10,000 but Mrs. Farrar hopes to receive funding from Salford CVS to cover costs.
Steve Farrar, who bought the building said: “I am from Halifax originally. When I moved to Eccles I liked the town, but I have seen it deteriorating year after year.”
Mr. Farrar first thought that it would be a good investment for his business, but felt that he could do something more for the community and the town doesn’t have anything like a chess café. The initial cost of the building was £160,000 but because of its condition the whole building cannot be used.
Builders are said to start work on the building next week, however there is no deadline as to when it will be finished.
Mrs Farrar hopes work will be completed before the summer league in June.
For more information about the community chess club, contact Barbara Farrar on 07743888585.
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