Study Visit: Stretford Public Hall
11.30am – 3.30pm
|
21
May
2025
Stretford Public Hall (SPH) is a community-owned, multi-purpose building within the district centre of Stretford, Manchester. Since a community asset transfer from the local authority in 2015, a Charitable Community Benefit Society—a type of co-operative—has co-owned the building with over 1000 members. Last year, it welcomed more than 30,000 people into the building and the team continues to develop SPH as a strategic community hub for the local community.
In recent years, SPH has used community shares – a unique form of equity raised from its supporters – to transform the Grade-II listed building to offer accessible spaces for the community and hosts a variety of events and activities, including arts programmes, live music, community cinema, and health and wellness sessions.
Join this study visit for a guided tour of the building, a learning session, and Q&A with the founders. A light lunch is included. Stretford Public Hall, Chester Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 0LG
We offer sessions on a sliding scale. Please select the 'organisation' rate if you are funded by an organisation to attend this session.
- A guided tour of Stratford Public Hall (SPH), exploring the rich history and future plans of this landmark, with a focus on its renovation stages, both completed and ongoing.
- An exploration of the key development stages of SPH’s successful community-owned asset acquisition, from campaigning and community engagement to finance, fundraising, governance, staffing, and trading.
- Insights into SPH’s use of Community Shares, a financing method tailored for community assets, and understand the workings of a Community Benefit Society.
- Q&A with Simon Borkin and Kate McGeevor, founders and directors of Stretford Public Hall.
- Networking Opportunities to connect with fellow community entrepreneurs and practitioners, accompanied by a communal lunch.
Participants will also get a free copy of the ABCs of the New Economy guide in the post.
- Good understanding of the processes involved in acquiring, owning, running, and renovating a community asset through a real-life case study
- Practical tips on the DOs and DON’Ts of managing community assets, helping you avoid common pitfalls and find effective shortcuts
- Innovative approaches to fundraising and generating income through trade
- Local groups interested in taking ownership or management of local assets
- Organisations who already have an asset and want to review their model, structure, or plans
- Local authority staff looking to enhance existing asset transfer policies
- Residents and activists who are passionate about preserving and developing local community spaces
Simon Borkin is founder and chair of trustees of Stretford Public Hall, and Kate McGeevor is CEO of Friends of Stretford Public Hall.
Refunds
Refunds will only be made if a written refund request is received no less than four weeks before the session starts. Send your written request via email to workshops@stirtoaction.com. If you cancel your booking less than four weeks before the session starts, no refund will be made other than in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers. No refund will be made for non-attendance.
Cancellations
In the event we have to cancel the session before it starts, we will endeavour to inform all participants at least two weeks before the it is due to start, although please be aware that this is not always possible. In such an event, all session fees paid to date will be reimbursed in full. We are unable to reimburse any other costs that may be incurred (i.e. travel, accommodation).
In the event that we have to change session dates before the start of the session, participants may request a full refund if the new date is not convenient.
Should you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact the Stir to Action team via workshops@stirtoaction.com.
