Chorlton Irish Club saved 

Southway Housing Trust has bought part of the car park next to the community centre to build 29 affordable apartments in a deal that will see the building retained and allow the club to pay off its debts.

Place North West revealed last year that the club’s owners, a group of four trustees, had appointed agency Colliers to sell the site, located off High Lane and Cross Road. 

Members had feared that the sale would result in the loss of the club, which was founded in 1956, but, under the terms of the deal with housing association Southway, the value of which was not disclosed, the two-storey building will not be demolished.

Didsbury-based Southway plans to build the homes on part of the car park next to the club and construction could begin early in 2022, subject to local consultation and planning approval. Completion of the scheme is expected in early 2024. 

Karen Mitchell, chief executive of Southway Housing Trust, said: “We understand the importance of the club to the area. As a not-for-profit organisation, our proposal has the social and economic interests of the area at its heart. 

“By purchasing the car park area only, we are providing the vendors of this historic club with a much-needed resource, while converting under-used brownfield land into a socially responsible venture that will provide housing for local people.”

A representative of the trustees said: “The agreement will see affordable housing provided within the community, enable the club to clear all of its debts and see the club and some parking retained for the benefit and future use of its members.”

Solicitors Hill Dickinson represented the trustees and Trowers & Hamlins represented Southway. 

Quinta Group provided additional support to Southway.