Bolton: Cobden Centre in Halliwell to host groups again

The Cobden Centre on Charlotte Street in Halliwell has been closed for some time, with many of the nearby community groups having sought space to host their activities.

But at a public meeting this week, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, who represents area on the council, confirmed that the centre is ready to host groups like these again.

Cllr Jiva said: “There were lots of concerns about this and about bookings at the centre, but I can tell you now that bookings have gone live again with the Albert Halls.”

She added: “We’ve now got the ball rolling and we’re ready to have those discussions.

The centre was discussed at a PACT meeting this week (Image: Newsquest)

“We are opening it up and looking at the viability of hosting groups from the area there.”

This comes not long after a community asset transfer at the nearby Hibbert Centre on Hibbert Street, which has been taken over by an amateur football team which now intends to open it out to community groups.

The Hibbert Centre was one of several facilities like these that were made available for community asset transfers by the authority according to plans announced at the end of last year.

The newly revived Cobden Centre had originally been considered for a community asset transfer but will now remain under the control of the council.

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The revival of the centre came after repeated calls in the community for more facilities to help host people from across different age groups.

Cllr Jiva, who is also the cabinet member for stronger communities, told a Partners and Community Together meeting at All Souls Church, Astley Street this week that she hoped the centre would be able to provide more activities for young people in the area.

She also hoped it could be a space for other organisations from across the community.

Cllr Jiva added: “Obviously time is precious, and we want to get young people back into the centre as soon as possible but I can assure you that the building is in full use via Bolton Council.”