Former bank to open door on bright future
AONCE redundant and abandoned landmark building in the centre of a town will be buzzing with activity as it opens its doors to businesses wanting to rent a desk.
The stunning Gothicstyle four-floor former Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, on the junction of Market Street and Union Street, Bacup has undergone a complete transformation.
Within weeks, the ground floor and basement will open to provide bright coworking spaces with bespoke desks available to rent and two extra spacious meeting rooms, a kitchen, shower and accessible facilities.
Heritage development trust Valley Heritage is now formulating other plans to use the Alliance, as the building is now known, as a blueprint to attract funding to renovate and develop other buildings across Rossendale.
Chairperson Stephen Anderson said: “We are looking for an anchor tenant for the coworking space, ideally someone who knows the local business scene, and they will get free desk space and will support the administration.
“There will be 10 desks and these have been individually made from pallets or repurposed by members of Stubbylee Community Greenhouses. Some are colourful, all are unique and each has its own name.
“We are offering different coworking memberships, for one day a week, for one day a month or longer term.
“We have already had interest from sole traders and people who work from home and Valley Heritage will be using a space in the Alliance. People using the coworking space will also be supporting the town centre of Bacup because they will be spending in the local shops.”
On the first and second
floors, high quality apartments have been created with stunning views over the town.
Two flats are for private rental, one of which has already been taken, while two will be managed by local charity the M3 Project, for homeless 16 to 21-yearolds who are ready to begin living independently.
The renovation of Alliance
cost £600,000 with a total project cost of £850,000. It has been funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Rossendale Council’s Bacup High Street Heritage Action Zone and Historic England and smaller community funds.
Stephen said: “We are very grateful to all the
National Lottery players for their contribution and we will be having a special offer for lottery ticket holders offering preferential access to the space.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the coworking space can visit www.alliance-bacup.org. uk for more information.
The remaining flat will be let by Rossendale Lettings.