The club and bar have now reopened to members and their guests following the major renovation work.
The work was made possible thanks to a number of successful grants bids including £270,000 from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, £50,000 from Valencia Community Fund and £10,000 awarded by the National Lottery for outdoor shelters and furniture.
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of the above for allowing us to repair and modernise our club and ensure we can provide a community asset for the people of Whitefield for many years to come.
The work, which commenced in April 2024, included improvements to the entrance path and wall, the addition of lighting, resurfacing work to the path and around the green, new outdoor seating and a rain shelter. Inside the club we have had a new roof, lowered insulated ceiling, new insulation, central heating, revamped toilets, new interior walls with insulation, floor coverings, redecorated throughout, new interior doors and seating booths.
Dabinett Chartered Surveyors worked closely with WBC CIC to prepare detailed plans and project manage the work. The successful contractor, ADC Property Solutions, delivered work to a consistently high level in “challenging“ circumstances, given the age and condition of the building, and delivered a first class and excellent finished product.
Local company, Aarhus Fire Protection, who have supported WBC for many years, have fitted new fire alarms and a security system with CCTV.
We also recognise the help and support we received from our partners and trustees. Local councillor Russell Bernstein was invaluable as was Paul Murphy (ex-Lord Mayor of Manchester). Bury Voluntary and Community Faith Alliance and James Mathie of Sporting Assets.
The work will allow WBC CIC to continue and develop new services for our community. In addition to crown green bowling and a social club for people to meet, we also offer:
- Free Allotments for “Grow your Own”
- Health and Wellbeing drop ins (with Bury MBC)
- Bike Hub (with Bury MBC and Transport for Greater Manchester))
- Signposting Services
- Digital and Safe Internet courses
- Academies and Schools “welcome to fresh air” outside activities