An attempt to secure the future of a former Preston police station as a hub for charitable organisations has failed.
AdvertisementFulwood Police Station was closed by Lancashire Police at the end of May.
A Preston charity, Young Lancashire, attempted to have the building listed as an asset of community value.
Chief executive Graham Whalley applied to Preston City Council for use of the building on Watling Street Road.
It it Mr Whalley writes: “The property will provide excellent premises for a Preston VCSE (voluntary, community and social enterprises) Hub, with good transport links and parking for several local charity’s to co-locate in a single building with shared facilities and to shared access to meeting and training room space.”
Young Lancashire are currently located on Fishergate Hill and helps young people make the most of their leisure time.
But the city council rejected the attempt to have the building listed, saying it did not meet the criteria – despite being a building that “appears to be of community value.”
Peter Bargh, assistant director of community engagement, wrote in a report: “Insufficient information or business plan from the nominating organisation for future use to make a determination.”
Bernard Hayes, the corporate director of community and business services, backed the report and refused to list the building.
Lancashire Police have since sold the building at public auction on Thursday 11 September – it was listed with a guide price of £300,000.
You can read the full report on the city council website.
What do you think of Young Lancashire’s idea for the building? Let us know in the comments below