The iconic building has been a mecca for Indie fans for decades (Picture: EPA)
A building which has provided a lifeline for young people from deprived communities for 120 years is facing closure if it does not raise £250,000 by the end of November.
Salford Lads Club, which opened in 1903, is facing closure after spending more than a century helping foster young talent from across Greater Manchester.
It opened with a mission to ‘Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens’, but with rising costs and a reduction in grant income means the world famous club, which does vital grassroots work with children, will run out of money in eight weeks.
Now, local news outlets such as the Manchester Evening News and others in the community are calling for donations to keep open the legendary building.
A fundraiser has been set up to raise the urgent £250,000 needed to save the cultural mecca.
The 1960s pop group The Hollies used to practice in the club before they were famous, and young footballers who trained there went on to play for Manchester United and City as well as other top flight clubs.
The Smiths famously posed in front of the Salford Lad’s Club and their fans often travel there to take photos (Picture: Shutterstock)
Artist Harold Riley, who died last year, was a member, as was radio DJ and member of the band Salford Jets, Mike Sweeney.
In 1985 the club was used as the setting for an iconic image of Manchester band The Smiths and brought the club global recognition – many fans make a pilgrimage to the iconic location.
But income from visitors and filmmakers – including being featured in shows such as Peaky Blinders – has not enough to fund the huge costs of delivering youth work that provides a lifeline to the community.
The club offers sport and other activities six days a week to more than 200 young people in one of the most deprived areas of the country.
Costs have rocketed and the club is finding it increasingly expensive to look after its 120 year-old Grade II Listed home with the care and attention it warrants.
It’s helped the most vulnerable in the community for over a century (Picture: EPA)
The club also needs to employ staff in order to professionalise the running of the club and be able to compete for grants.
Income from grants has slumped because the market has become overloaded and competitive, bosses say. The club’s annual utilities bill is £15,000, building maintenance, £15,000, and insurance costs £13,000.
The club needs £108,000 to cover the current monthly losses for another six months while it gets initiatives established to generate more funds long term.
But a further £55,000 is needed for new staff for six months to do this. It estimates another £98,000 is required to replenish reserves.
Last year the club’s annual income was £160,000. It included donations, money from open days and visitors, hiring out the building, including for weddings, and the online shop.
But outgoings for the next …read more
Source:: Metro
