Decision to hand over Halesowen building to community 'a great result'
A decision to hand a former Sons of Rest building in Halesowen over to the community will allow it to become a real asset, delighted campaigners said today.
Dudley Council will transfer the venue to members of Hasbury Community Association so that it can be opened up to local groups for meetings and activities.
Councillor Donella Russell, who has been fighting for two years to stop the building from being sold amid fears it could be demolished to make way for housing, today described it as 'great news.
She added: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this battle.
"It's going to be a lot of work but we have got it.
"This is a great result and will be an asset for everybody in the community,.
Councillor Russell said the final agreement had still to be signed but she was not anticipating any problems.
The council's director of corporate resources, Philip Tart, said as part of the Community Asset Transfer by the council, the group will be responsible for the maintenance and running costs of the property.
"The Hagley Community Association plan focuses on partnership as a way of generating income and, through market research, it has identified specific groups interested in using the building," he said.
"It has identified potential income from these groups via room hire and other activities."
The three Belle Vale councillors have all supported the move.
Members of Hasbury Community Association say the only reason the building, on land between Alexandra Road and Wall Well, was closed was due to falling use because of rising rent prices for use by groups.
The group says it has found about 20 organisations which would use the site in the future but at a cheaper rate than they faced before the centre closed.
Dudley Council announced in 2012 that it wanted to sell off the Sons of Rest site as it had been deemed surplus to requirements.
It was put on the market for £225,000 but taken off when discussions started to take place with campaigners.
The building, which has meeting rooms, toilets, kitchen and extensive grounds,was previously home to Huntingtree Seniors Leisure Centre.
The land on which it was built was donated to the town in 1947 by Halesowen Mayor Lionel Rose. The building dates back to 1948 and was one of five in the Halesowen area built to be used by war veterans.
Options previously looked at for the building included it being transformed as a new home for the Halesowen-based Earls Gym where Olympic gymnastics medallist Kristian Thomas is a member.
