CREATIVE plans to save Knutsford’s iconic 60 King Street for the local community have been unveiled.
Local residents have drawn up a bid to rescue the dilapidated building, left vacant for four years.
The grade II listed property was home of the former La Belle Epoque restaurant for 46 years before the council took control in 2019.
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Knutsford Town Council had vowed to sell the building last year but gave it a final reprieve in January, inviting the community and business developers to come up with ideas.
Knutsford dad-of-two Jonathan Farber, 50, who is leading the revival project, said: “This is the most recognised building in the county.
“As people of Knutsford, we own it, it is ours.
“To see it fall into disrepair for me and many others has been quite heartbreaking.
“To not allow people access or to enjoy its space and architectural culture and heritage is a travesty.”
The media and communications professional has assembled a team of local residents who all feel passionately about preserving the building.
Architect Steve Wall and builder Steve Kindred will provide architectural, technical support, construction and building advice.
Sarah Morgan will look after admin, grants liaison and funding support.
Marianne Evans will take care of project management and cost control.
Mark Radcliffe has pledged to help attract live music and cultural events.
The BBC Radio 2 and 6 DJ, who lives in the town, said: “60 King Street in one of Knutsford’s truly iconic buildings and its history.
“For anyone who chooses to look into it, it’s fascinating.
“It is tragic that it has been allowed to get into the state it is now in but it is not too late.
“I’m ready to do whatever I can to help bring it back to the centre of town life and look forward to the days when we raise a cheery glass under its majestic lantern before crossing its tiled floor to one of many musical and cultural soirees.
“It should be for all of us but it might take all of us to make the dream a reality’.
Jonathan believes their restoration vision is viable.
He said: “The only way it is going to make money is as a venue for hire.
“We propose offering it three days for hire and the rest of the week for public access and engagement.
“Yoga, kick boxing, arts and other events could be held.
“The Kings House Coffee House could be reinstated as a community project.
“Tatton Perk want to get involved, educating kids into a job.”
Enquiries are already being made about bookings.
“I stood outside waiting for a surveyor and a woman asked me if it was open for weddings,” said Jonathan.
“She had the same energy to get married there as I have to bring this building alive.”
To get the building into working order for hire, he estimates it could cost around £50,000 to restore toilets, core electrics and public access.
The team hopes local traders may offer support.
Jonathan said: “The town is full of plumbers, electricians and people who can provide services.
“We won’t be asking for anything for free but people have already said they would be willing to work for a reduced rate.”
The idea is to just hire out the space.
“I’m not going to become a wedding venue operator,” said Jonathan.
“It will be a dry hire venue. People can bring in their own caterers and bar and utiliise the space.
“We don’t want to compete with other businesses. Instead, this will give them a chance to make money.”
The first step to secure investment is to establish a charity incorporated organisation, a CIO.
“We would set up a small board and do this independently with oversight from the council,” said Jonathan.
“We would take the leasehold on a peppercorn rent. The council would retain the asset. The CIO bears the brunt of the costs.”
Jonathan is now appealing to the council for more time as applicants were only given 60 days to submit bids.
“Being a CIO gives us access to grant funding and access to arts council and music venue support,” said Jonathan.
“We need at least another two months to explore all funding channels.
“This has become a political hot potato and the council wants rid of it.
“They can’t do that.
“A huge number of people in town believe it should be retained.
“We have a model to build upon so it earns a living and can sustain itself. We can’t see this slip away.”
Anyone interested in supporting this venture can email info@sixtykingstreet.org
The closing date for bids is March 10.
A special town council meeting will be held later this month.
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