Background and Current Position

The Executive Committee has recently been undertaking negotiations with the current tenant to discuss the future of the hall. You will be aware that the current tenancy arrangement was based on a Gentleman's agreement and, despite this being a verbal agreement, the tenant has kept his commitment and upgraded and maintained the hall in an impeccable condition.

Next Steps for the Management Committee

The Management Committee are now looking at the best option in terms of this arrangement and would like to consult our members on the following options:

We are inviting your participation in a significant decision regarding the future of our Community Hall. Our primary goal is to ensure the hall remains a sustainable asset that provides value for money for all our members.

Your feedback is essential for the Management Committee to make an informed decision regarding the most suitable option to secure the future of our Community Hall on Newton Street, Blackburn, while continuing to show our commitment to ongoing investment in the facility.

Financial Challenges

The revenue generated from membership fees is insufficient to cover the ongoing costs associated with the maintenance and management of the premises. The current economic climate, notably the cost of living crisis, makes increasing membership fees an unfavourable option, as it would place additional financial strain on our members.

As a result of this funding shortfall, there are periods throughout the year when the facility is under-utilised, and it often remains vacant for several weeks at a time. This lack of consistent occupancy further increases the challenges in securing the necessary funds to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility.

The ongoing difficulty in meeting financial obligations underscores the significant issues faced in maintaining the premises. Essential expenses, such as bills and routine maintenance, must be met to preserve this valuable community asset for current and future users.

Options for the Future

We currently face two distinct paths for the next three or five years:

Option A: Securing Long-Term Stability

We have received a proposal from our current tenant, who has demonstrated a flawless payment record over the last 4.5 years and has not missed a single rent payment, while still continuing to maintain and upgrade the premises using their own money.

• They have offered to sign up a 5-year lease at £4,500 per month. This option provides guaranteed income for our community that can be reinvested into community projects or even towards the purchase of another community venue for our community to use.
• Furthermore, the tenant has committed to continue with the refurbishment of the premises at their own expense, including upgrading the toilets, inserting marble flooring, and exterior cladding, etc., to make the hall even more presentable for weddings and other occasions amongst other refurbishment.
• Guaranteeing our community a minimum of at least ten (10) pre-arranged days use every year for our niaz, religious and cultural events, as well as extra days to hold our ladies majlis during the holy month of Muharram, at no cost to the community for venue hire.
• This arrangement also includes discounted venue hire rates for our CMA members.
• Continued investment to ensure the premises is maintained impeccably.
• Tenant has agreed to a review of the rent in 3 years' time.

Option B: Community-Member Lease Opportunity

Alternatively, we can open the lease specifically to a member of our community. Because the Management Committee must protect the community’s financial interests, this option will require a more rigorous vetting process to match the security of a commercial lease. This will include rent advance, a legal guarantor, and credit checks and matching the conditions specified by the current tenant.

Should any member be interested in this option, please email us with your business plan by 17:00 on 28/02/2026 at blackburncma@gmail.com for the Management Committee to consider this. We will then invite you in to present your business plan to our Management Committee and Board of Trustees.

Your Opinion Matters. We ask that you review both these options and select the option you believe best serves the collective interest of our community. 

How to Submit Your Preference

Please submit your preference by 17:00 on 28/02/2026 by completing the form on the following link:

Lease Consultation Form

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make an informed decision for our community’s future.  

While all members of the community are encouraged to participate and have their voices heard, it is important to note that the ultimate responsibility for making the final decision rests with the interim Management Committee and Board of Trustees. They will carefully review all of the evidence and feedback presented, ensuring that the best interests of the community are prioritised at every stage of the process.

Please be aware that this matter is of significant importance and will directly influence the future of our valued community asset. It is essential that every participant completes all required details on the form. If any information is missing or if we are unable to verify your details, your submission will be excluded and will not be counted in the final consultation results.

CMA Management Committee and Board of Trustees