A Salford community group is hoping to transform a “beautiful” derelict building and breathe new life into the neighbourhood they call home.
The council has begun refurbishment work to bring The Height Public Hall on King Street back up to a lettable standard after it stood vacant and decaying for years.
A council spokesperson told Salford Now that the works will provide a white wall finish, “creating a blank canvas for any future occupier to adapt the space to meet their needs.”
A thriving community group with big ambitions for the historic building has thrown its hat into the ring and entered talks with the council to lease the hall.
Its members are hoping to transform the space into the Claremont Tap Community Hub and Taproom, a non-profit venture which would host local events, vendors and businesses as well as providing residents with another pleasant spot in the area to grab a pint.
Rachel Middleton, who has lived in Irlams o’ th’ Height for 10 years, is on the committee of the residents’ group driving the “exciting” idea which could transform the former youth club into a lively meeting spot.
“It’s a beautiful hall with so much potential,” she said. “There’s space for a taproom and a coffee shop as well as activity space and room to work.
“Whether it’s foodie fairs, craft fairs, yoga, lattes or meet-up groups, it could be a really nice place for people to go and take their mates.”
Locals behind the Claremont Tap have been hosting community meetings throughout the summer at Claremont Tennis Club, encouraging residents to share their ideas for the space over a few drinks.
“We don’t want to tread on other people’s toes and businesses,” Rachel explained. “We want to provide a place to go that is just lovely as well and if you’re a resident with a wonderful idea for this space, we want to hear from you.”
The next community meeting will take place on Monday 14 September at 7pm at Claremont Tennis Club, as the residents leading the project will keep others up to date on headway being made.
Many of the people behind the Claremont Tap have spent more than a decade working on community projects and are part of the Friends of Lightoaks Park who helped to bring the popular outdoor space up to Green Flag standard.
“The meetings have got such a lovely feel to them and a nice vibe,” Rachel added. “The people behind it are on such a mission and genuinely care about the community.”
Rachel said there’s already plenty of support for the project which would put the former youth club back in the hands of people who live in the area.
“We are hoping that once the council pays for the renovations and makes the space safe, we can agree a deal and begin looking for support and donations. We are even looking at shares, so it will be owned by the local community.
“It would be great for the connection in the community; we have been crying out for something like this.
While talks between the council and the Claremont Tap community group remain at an early stage and a lease has not been agreed, a local councillor has backed the plans.
Claremont ward councillor Chris Bates said the people involved in the project to renovate the public hall have his “full support” and added: “I hope that the building will serve the people of Irlams o’ th Height for many years to come. “
You can keep up to date with the project as it develops via the Claremont Taproom’s social media channel.
