All Saints Church, Hoole and the trustees of Hoole Community Development Trust (HCDT)
have been in discussion over the past two years seeking a sustainable, long-term lease for
the Community Centre at the former school site on Westminster Road. Unfortunately, after
lengthy negotiations, the parties have been unable to agree a mutually acceptable
arrangement. As a result, it has now been decided that the best way forward is for All Saints
to offer the property for sale, providing an opportunity for HCDT to purchase it and thereby
secure the site for the future.
The property is designated as an Asset of Community Value and the Council has now been
notified by All Saints of its intention to sell the site. As an asset of community value, HCDT
now has six months to make an offer before any sale can proceed. In the meantime, All
Saints will shortly be advertising the property for sale in order to establish a realistic, current
market value, for consideration by HCDT.
HCDT would aim to raise the relevant funds to purchase the property through various
national grant sources and local crowdfunding activities, as well as seeking additional
financial support from the Council.
During this process, HCDT will continue to rent the property from All Saints. The Community
Centre’s activities will continue as normal during this process and all the programmes, room
hire, library, nursery and café will continue to operate as usual.
For further information contact:
- Reverend Craig Gaudion, All Saints Church: comms@allsaints.church
- Mr Rod Heather MBE – Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, Chester CH2
3AP. 01244 341936, rod-heather@talk21.com.