A Bolton housing association has announced it will be selling the Johnson Fold UCAN Centre building just a couple months after it shut.
The closure was announced in December as a notice was posted on the door of the building stating it ‘regrettably’ wouldn’t be reopening after Christmas.
And now just two months on Bolton at Home has announced it will be selling the building due to ‘low usage’ and ‘the availability of other community support services in the area’.
Bolton at Home said before they decide to sell a property, including one used as a community centre, they consider the impact it would have on residents.
On a statement on the website, a Bolton at Home spokesperson said: “In December 2023, we announced the closure of the Johnson Fold UCAN Centre on Johnson Fold Avenue.
“The reasons were low usage and the availability of other community support services in the area, including our pop-up UCAN service at Sabden Garden.
“We’ve now decided to sell the building. We’ll post more details about the sale on our website soon.
“Before we decide to sell a property, including one used as a community centre, we carefully consider the impact.
“Our Property and Place Strategic Group has approved this decision, believing it’s in the best interests of our tenants.
“Selling the building becomes a sensible decision if it no longer serves its original purpose, isn’t cost-effective to maintain, and isn’t practical for us to repurpose.
“We can then direct the funds from the sale into improving homes as well as developing new homes for rent. This approach addresses more substantial needs.
“We understand that not everyone may agree with this decision.
“We want to reassure you that we’ve made this decision with our tenants’ needs in mind.
“We remain committed to supporting local communities and neighbourhood initiatives as well as providing quality affordable housing.”
Cllr Roger Hayes said he hopes the ‘use of the building for housing could be explored’.
He said: “I very much regret the withdrawal of UCAN services and the sale of the building.
“It was open so little that the closure will probably make little difference.
“I hope the use of the building for housing could be explored.”
For more information on UCAN centres, visit: https://www.boltonathome.org.uk/ucan
UCAN centres were set up to provide help and advice on everything from finding a job to education and a community base for residents.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.
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