Salford Lads Club will receive over £400,000 funding for essential repairs that will help to secure a long-term future for the renowned and well-used Youth Club.
The award is part of £2.4 million awarded to six historic places in the North West from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.
Other sites in the region include the restoration of the upper seating areas at Morecambe Winter Gardens, Lancashire and the conservation of the Grade II listed pumphouse at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Established in 1903 as a purpose-built club for boys, its original function endures, now open to girls, providing new generations with access to sports, creative workshops, fitness, music, drama and life skills. The project will include roof slate replacements, brick and terracotta masonry repairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of this famous community building on Coronation Street in Salford.
A unique archive contains the records of over 22,500 members since its opening in 1903 displayed on a remarkable five metre Wall of Names. The building is forever linked with Manchester band The Smiths, through Stephen Wright’s iconic photo of the band outside the front doorway. It has become a worldwide landmark and pilgrimage site for music fans with a dedicated Smiths room.
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England said: “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings in the North West that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
