Community events venue could reopen with new owners

The Club closed in July 2023, after its owners went into liquidation

An events venue which closed after its owners went into liquidation could have a new tenant.

One Church in Gloucester may take ownership of The Club at Tuffley Park, if Gloucester City Council hand over the lease.

The venue suddenly closed in July 2023 due to challenges from the cost of living, forcing the cancellation of numerous weddings, parties and other events. The council repossessed the building a month later.

Councillor Sebastian Field said: “I look forward to seeing the Club back in use, as soon as terms are agreed and essential repairs are carried out.”

Work will be carried out on the roof to make it watertight, as well as statutory tests to ensure the building is compliant on handover.

The council estimates the work will cost around £50,000 - a figure which has already been budgeted for the current financial year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Renting the property is expected to provide the local authority with an income of £10,000 a year.

'Community use'

A number of applications to take over the building were submitted, but One Church's was particularly "strong", according to the council.

The organisation also has a history of delivery financially secure projects in the area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Field said: “The whole local community was sorry to see this facility close in August 2023.

“The application from One Church, who are the officer-recommended choice for a tenant, was a strong one, having regard to the council’s community asset transfer policy and local plans, and placing a heavy emphasis on community use.

“It offered a number of facilities for local people, but complementing not competing with the existing offer."

The authority’s overview and scrutiny committee is due to look over the proposals and quiz civic chiefs at their meeting on July 1.