“A very sad situation” Community bands together to save 111-year-old Carlton Club

The Carlton Club in Whalley Range has long been a cornerstone of the local community, a place where generations have gathered for social events, live music, and shared experiences.

But today, this 111-year-old institution finds itself under threat, facing an eviction notice that could signal the end of an era for both the club and the community that it serves.

The threat to this beloved venue has sparked a groundswell of public support, with the club’s members and supporters launching a vigorous campaign to save it from closure.

A hopeful turn for The Carlton Club

In a hopeful turn for The Carlton Club in Whalley Range, this beloved social venue has won a second extension to its eviction notice, securing an additional two months to negotiate a lease agreement with the building’s owner, Carlton Social and Bowling Club Building Company Ltd.

This extension, lasting until January 10th, 2025, follows a challenging period for the club, which has been at the heart of the community for over a century.

Justin Anderson, Acting Chair of the Carlton Club, expressed cautious optimism about the extension but emphasised that more work is needed to secure the club’s future. “This is good news and will certainly come as a relief to our staff, members, and the wider community,” Anderson stated.

He has also suggested bringing in an independent mediator to aid the negotiation process, which he believes could help both parties reach a fair and sustainable solution.

“We very much hope the Building Company will accept this suggestion, as we believe it offers the best route to achieving a lasting solution that recognises the needs of both organisations,” Justin added. He emphasised, however, that until a workable, long-term lease is finalised, the club remains at risk.

Save the Carlton Club

Since the eviction notice, community support has been overwhelming. The “Save Our Club” campaign has raised over £33,000 in legal funds through crowdfunding, and a petition supporting the club’s survival has gathered nearly 7,500 signatures.

High-profile supporters, including Sacha Lord, Manchester’s nighttime economy advisor, and music producer Mr Scruff, have backed the campaign. MP Afzal Khan and other public figures have voiced their support, bringing the issue to national attention.

The club’s supporters are determined, with Anderson affirming the club’s role as a “priceless community asset” that has thrived over the years through dedication and community engagement. From live music and arts events to accessible community activities, the Carlton Club serves as a social and cultural hub in Whalley Range.

As discussions continue, Anderson acknowledges the significance of this moment for the club’s future: “We’ve been here before, with multiple failed discussions about options. This time it must be different.”

History of the Carlton Club

Founded in 1913, the Carlton Club has evolved from its origins as a private members’ social and bowling club into a thriving community hub.

In 2019, the club transitioned into a Community Interest Company (CIC), operating as a not-for-profit organisation aimed at serving the broader local community.

This shift in structure has allowed the club to grow significantly, both in membership and in the range of activities it offers.

Today, the Carlton Club boasts over 1,000 members and is ranked #1 out of 778 Manchester venues on Skiddle, hosting a staggering 564 events in the 2023/24 financial year, including 65 live music performances and 105 arts events.

Despite these successes, the club now finds itself in the middle of a legal battle with the Carlton Social and Bowling Club Building Company Ltd, the owner of its premises.

The eviction notice, dated 22 September 2024, has cast a shadow over the club’s future, prompting the launch of the Save Our Club campaign.

The Eviction and legal fight

The circumstances behind the eviction are complex and somewhat contradictory.

Since its inception, the building company’s sole purpose has been to provide the premises for the Carlton Club.

According to the company’s Articles of Association, its role has always been to enable the club to operate for the benefit of its members and the local community.

However, a change in shareholders in recent years appears to have shifted the building company’s priorities, leading to a strained relationship between the two entities.

Tensions came to a head earlier this year when an attempt was made to forcibly change the locks on the club’s premises—a move that the club describes as “aggressive.”

The club is now contesting the eviction notice, with its legal team pursuing several avenues.

One of the key issues is the transfer of the club’s historic shareholding in the building company to another shareholder without proper consultation or paperwork.

This has been reported to Companies House, alongside allegations of multiple breaches of statutory duties by the building company’s directors.

Justin Anderson, Acting Chair of the Carlton Club, expressed his disappointment at how the situation has unfolded.

“This is a very sad situation,” he said.

“The club and the building company have been closely linked for over 100 years, sharing the same aims—to provide a private members’ club for the benefit of local people. But following changes of shareholders, the relationship has become strained. Over the last four years, we’ve done everything we can to broker constructive discussions, but sadly, these haven’t been successful.”

Rallying support to save the Carlton Club

The response from the local community has been overwhelming. In just four weeks, the club’s “Save Our Club” campaign has raised nearly £24,000 through a crowdfunding initiative to cover legal fees.

Additionally, a petition to save the club has garnered more than 7,000 signatures.

The campaign has received backing from a wide range of local musicians, promoters, and politicians, as well as high-profile figures such as Manchester’s nighttime economy tsar, Sacha Lord, and renowned music producer Mr Scruff.

Even prominent public figures like Russell T Davies and MP Afzal Khan have voiced their support, with the issue being raised in the House of Commons.

“Securing an extension to the eviction notice is an important milestone,” said Justin after the campaign won the club a six-week extension to its eviction deadline.

This reprieve, granted following a surge of public pressure and legal correspondence, has bought the club more time to negotiate with the building company over new lease terms and other outstanding issues.

“We want to use the six weeks to agree heads of terms for a new lease with the building company, and we remain keen to avoid costly court proceedings,” added Justin.

However, he warned that “we’ve been here before, with multiple failed discussions about options. This time it must be different.”

While negotiations continue, the club remains operational and is determined to carry on with business as usual.

Upcoming events include a huge gig featuring Kyle Falconer of The View, Aziz Ibrahim of The Stone Roses, Leon Meya of Northern Uproar, and Sophie Sveinsson from Radio X.

The event, organised by the Broken Wings Club, is a testament to the venue’s enduring popularity and importance as a platform for both established and emerging artists.

You can get tickets to what promises to be an incredible night by clicking here

A place for arts, music, and community well-being

The Carlton Club is not just about the music, it’s a social and cultural lifeline for Whalley Range.

In an era of increasing social isolation, the club plays a crucial role in bringing people together.

From gardening and yoga classes to record fairs, poetry nights, and spoken word events, the club offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Many of these events are free or low-cost, ensuring that the club remains accessible to everyone.

Music is also at the heart of the Carlton Club’s identity.

As an affordable venue for live performances, it has become a vital resource for local musicians and promoters.

In recent years, Manchester has seen a worrying number of live music venues close their doors, making spaces like the Carlton Club all the more essential.

Justin Anderson believes the club’s success in recent years speaks for itself.

“The Carlton Club is a priceless community asset. It has taken more than 20 years to get the club to this point, where it is financially stable, used by tens of thousands, open to all, and thriving. We cannot let that be destroyed,” he said.

The road ahead: what’s at stake?

The next six weeks will be critical for the Carlton Club’s future.

While the club’s leadership remains hopeful that a resolution can be found without resorting to court proceedings, the threat of eviction still looms large.

For the club’s members and the wider community, the stakes are clear: losing the Carlton Club would be the loss of a vital community resource, a space where people come together to celebrate art, music, and shared experiences.

As Whalley Range Councillor Angeliki Stogia put it, “With over 1,000 local members, the Carlton Club is a huge community asset—central to the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of the community I live in and represent.

“Working with my colleagues in Manchester City Council, I am determined to do everything in my power to ensure the Carlton Club continues to thrive.”

For now, the Carlton Club’s future remains uncertain, but the resolve of its supporters suggests that this cherished institution won’t go down without a fight.

The public has rallied behind the club, and it is this collective spirit that may yet secure its future.

How to donate to the Carlton Club

You can donate to secure the Carlton Club’s future by clicking here

You can also sign a petition to help secure the Carlton Club’s future by clicking here

Better still, why not pop in for a drink and a dance?

Find them at Rowan Lodge, Rowan Lodge 113 Carlton Road Greater, 113 Carlton Rd, Greater, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8BE