AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE building that was once a co-operative centre, then a place of worship, will be turned into 20 apartments.
And Manchester-based Mon Properties has agreed to pay Tameside Council almost £30,000 so it can convert the structure on Russell Street.
Formerly the hub for the Higher Hurst Co-Operative Society, the site was a Hindu place of worship from 1980 until it moved to a new facility in 2021.
It was then put on the market and bought by Mon Properties, who believe the scheme will add to the area.
Documents state: “This is a very established building, but by consequence of its vacancy the condition is beginning to decline and it provides little positive contribution to the locality.
“The most recent use as a place of worship has been relocated and the ongoing vacancy does not represent a sustainable economic use and there is no feasible route to put it into alternative commercial use.
“Through this application, it does provide an opportunity to repurpose the building to deliver new home without having to resort to redevelopment.
“The repurposing and active use of this vacant building introduces vitality without creating any material harm and as such has a modest but positive effect upon the character of the local area.
“The subject site is comprised primarily of a substantial vacant building that provides no positive contribution to its locality, and through this intervention it will put it back into gainful use and add vitality and investment to the local area.”
As part of a section 106 agreement with Tameside Council, among other costs Mon Properties will pay £13,000 which will be used to improve King George V Playing Fields and Cedar Park.
In addition, £16,000 will be given for crossing improvements on Russell Street and to provide an upgraded footway link to Whiteacre Road and local schools.