Developments this week have led to fresh hope for some members of the iconic venue who have been fighting for its survival for the last year.
The popular club on High Lane, Chorlton, has been operating since 1960 as a meeting place for the Irish community and counted Sir Matt Busby among its members before developing into a popular community venue. It has four long-standing trustees who are the registered title holders of the property on behalf of the members of the Irish Association Social Club (IASC). It occupies a large site in one of Manchester’s most sought-after areas. Last year it was designated an Asset of Community Value following an application by a community group and as a result a moratorium was imposed on any potential sale of the club until 15th October 2020.
On 12 October 2020, it was widely reported that individuals including the club’s members had instructed solicitors to write to the club’s trustees for clarification on the proposed sale of the club’s home.
The trustees’ solicitors have confirmed that now the moratorium period has ended and the bidding process closed, the trustees will assess all bids including those from community groups considering the best interests of the members of the IASC. In accordance with their duty as trustees, they will report to the members of the IASC to include the full financial liabilities of the club, the proposed bids and their recommendations for the property and invite approval from the members of the IASC.
To enable the trustees to ensure all IASC members are kept up to date on future developments, anyone that believes they are a member of the club are asked to provide membership information to the trustees, including full name, email address, postal address and membership number (if known). Details can be sent to: mark.hague@farleys.com and iasc@clubmember.org.
Commentating on the latest developments, Mark Hague, Associate Partner at Farleys Solicitors commented:
This is a very positive step forwards and it ensures members will receive necessary information before sanctioning approval regarding the future of their club going forwards.
Discussions regarding the practicalities of the above will continue between the respective parties and members will be kept informed as matters progress.
