Remove The Butty Bar

The 'Butty Bar +' was subject to a compulsory purchase order some 5 years (approx 2003). As such it was purchased by the North West Regional Development Agency, with the understanding that it would be demolished shortly afterwards.

The intention of this was to remove the building and use the space it occupies to create something environmentally enriching and more in keeping with the area.

Ancoats is an area of huge investment, and one of Conservation. Despite this the 'Butty Bar +' is still standing to this date with no plans for demolition or improvements on the table. The building is now in an ever failing state of repair and the car-park is generally full of litter etc.

The aim of this petition is to show the NWrDA that local residents consider this building to be a detraction from the conservation area that is Ancoats, and that definitive action needs to be taken to demolish the building and replace with something appropriate.

In the short term we also propose that the NWrDA tidy up the building and its surrounding land.

I've made enquiries about the building on Pickford Street. My colleagues in New East Manchester's have updated me on the proposals for this building.

You are no doubt already aware that the building is in the Ancoats conservation area. A policy is in place that prevents demolition of buildings until a future use for the site has been identified and the resources necessary have been secured. Recently however NWDA drew up a list of a number of building it felt warranted demolition even if a permanent future use has not been identified. The former sandwich shop on Pickford Street was one of these and the case for it's demolition has been accepted. In fact it was the only one on the list that was. The short-term intention will be to demolish the building, and tarmac over and secure with drop down bollards and boundary treatment. This will significantly reduce the level and range of antisocial behaviour and other activity you referred to in your email.

NWDA are to submit a planning application to Manchester City Council's Planning Department soon. Residents in the immediate area should receive notice of this, providing more details. It is estimated that, subject to planning approval, the start on site for demolition will be in around 6 months time.

Furthermore Christine Pulford, the Street Environment Manager has made a visit to the site this morning and requested that both NWDA (owners of the former sandwich shop) and Braemar (your managing agent) take action to clear of the litter she found on both sites. Christine will continue to monitor sites in and around Ancoats and report/request clean up as and when identified. Residents reporting issues however will assist her in this task. I would like to thank you therefore for bringing this to my attention.

I hope you are happy with the contents in this email.

Philip Bradley
Principal Regeneration Officer and
Ancoats & Clayton and Miles Platting & Newton Heath Ward Co-ordinator
New East Manchester
187, Grey Mare Lane
Beswick
Manchester
M11 3ND

How do you feel about this being turned into commercial use land for another building?