Context

Chorlton Community Land Trust surveyed its members and pledgers about potential future uses for The Picture House (the former Co-op Funeralcare building). This was with a view to restoring the building, redeveloping the site (in partnership with a commercial developer) for community use / ownership. A bid was prepared for the Stayin’ Alive project, and submitted to the Co-op, based on the consultation findings. 

Findings

The top three strongly supported preferences for use were:

• Providing a place where people can meet
• Establishing a multi-purpose facility
• Retaining a local asset of community value

Further probing on the purpose for the building produced the following preferred objectives

• Creating a new landmark attraction
• Creating new jobs in Chorlton
• Accommodating new businesses in Chorlton

Key essentials were that the site should:

• Be physically accessible to all
• Adapt to reflect local demands
• Be managed by the community
• Maintain a business focus, but not to damage existing independent retail, especially with regard to food and drink.
• Use art wherever possible to engage stakeholders

In terms of actual building use:

• The core food market concept on the first floor got most support, with strong backing for performance and pop-up film
• Recognising the Bee Gees and creating a Maker Space/Library of Things
• Respondents were less keen on the idea of a community gym

  An aspirational social value report was also produced.