Horwich: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community into former clinic
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has bought the old Horwich Clinic on Jones Street. And has used the building as its community centre. It has become the hub for the AMC’s outreach events like interfaith conferences, charity initiatives like food banks or warm spaces, prayer meetings and classes for children and adults.The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – which has been in Bolton for over 50 years – bought it for over £400,000 with the help of members’ donations.
And has owned the building since late November.Cllr Ryan Bamforth, who represents Horwich North, said: “It was upsetting for many that the Horwich Clinic had to close because it provided a service. “A lot of people had fond memories of it. “And some residents were concerned that the building’s appearance would change after it was sold to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
“But the Ahmadiyya Muslim community reached out – and put on a presentation for myself and other local councillors. “Various members spoke to us.“And reassured us that the building was not going to be knocked down – nor would they change its outside appearance.“If anything, they would attempt to restore it to its former glory. “There would be a room used for prayers, but the building would be primarily used for their community’s events and initiatives.
“At the moment, the change sounds positive – if we take the organisation on the merit of what it’s done in the past.” The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been in Bolton since 1974. And is known for running charity events in the borough. During the coronavirus lockdown, it delivered food to vulnerable people and frontline workers.
Cllr Bamforth said: “The group helped massively during the pandemic in Bolton. “And aided Ukraine with their Humanity First initiative. “If they do what they’re saying they’re going to do, it will benefit the community.” Irfan Ahmed Quraishi, Secretary for Properties at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said: “We are not planning to do very much with the building in the immediate future, save some internal alterations that will allow it to be used for local events.
“There is no intention to make any immediate external alterations. “The site is in a conservation area so any changes to the outside will be completed in keeping with the surroundings and subject to the necessary approvals and consents. “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association branch in Bolton raised £415,000 largely through its members’ personal donations. “Some ladies sacrificed jewellery – and many offered their savings or worked longer hours to pay for this centre. “Our Bolton community funded much of this purchase and any future alterations to the building will also be raised by them.”
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24830106.horwich-ahmadiyya-muslim-community-former-clinic/
