Bolton Street Angels find a new home

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BOLTON’S Street Angels — who help town centre revellers — has found a new home.

The volunteers are having to relocate because their current premises are being transformed into student accommodation.

And, after weeks of searching, the volunteer organisation will set up its Safe Space Café in Churchgate.

The Angels have been based at 91 Bradshawgate for three years, paying a peppercorn rent under a government scheme to help not-for-profit organisations set up in vacant commercial units, which they would not otherwise be able to afford.

But this is being transformed into The Cube, which will be luxury student accommodation. Clare Gore, of Bolton Street Angels, said: “It worked so well. Better than I could have hoped for.

“We have had three great years at 91 Bradshawgate in which we have grown as a project. We will always be grateful to our landlord for being so supportive.”

The Street Angels found out in October that they would need to move.

Andrew Holden, a property consultant, who helped them to find their new home, said “It was a difficult relocation, despite the number of empty shops available.”

Mr Holden first approached Lamb and Swift asking for any unit in Bradshawgate and Churchgate.

The firm of property consultants approached their landlords, coming back with the perfect unit for the Angels.

Ms Gore said: “The shop is in a fantastic location and has lots of space that we will make the most of. We hope to link with other community projects aimed at the disadvantaged and vulnerable in Bolton to really get the most out of the space for the town.”

One such project is Digger’s Kitchen, which ran a pilot from 91 Bradshawgate during December, taking food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to those in need.

The Street Angels will move into their new home after the festive break on January 4.

Kevin Hegarty, of Ideal Site Ltd, was very understanding of the Street Angels’ situation and with the builders, Quaystone Building, gave them as much time as possible to relocate.

For more information visit boltonstreetangels.org or contact [email protected]