Originally Posted by Chelmswood (Post 615025)

Also i noticed that they were later accompanied by four or five smartly dressed official looking gentlemen one of which who arrived in a chauffeur driven rolls royce.

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 615057)

why the interest? missed oppertunity? n by the way Blazeys still waiting for her pack, after volunteering to assist you last year.:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 615035)

Perhaps Andrewb has hired it for a meeting of the local Young Conservatives.

It should be safe enough for just the two of them.:D

Originally Posted by Chelmswood (Post 615036)

Hiya, thnx for the replies i have jus read an article in the accrington observer about it being squatted in, this building is so beutiful yet it has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Its disgusting somebody should do something about it, and if these gentleman were there to maintain or preserve the building i hope they make a good job of it, and preserve it fo future generations.

Originally Posted by Chelmswood (Post 615061)

Hiya i apolagise unreservedly about this instance, i no longer work for the chelmswood or king-Wilkinson estate and can only assure you and Blazey that her details were passed onto our Mailing office who ican only presume failed to dispatch the parcel.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615117)

I Know, but to be honest if someone had the moeny and time to do it up it wouldnt be such a bad idea for them to have claimed via possesion rights or whatever there called, even if they just secured it and prserved the exterior to neaten the street.

I am glad someone is doing something about it now though.

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE (Post 615338)

Baxenden I live just round the corner and haven't heard anything. To be honest will be glad if something is done as it is a right mess with all the windows boarded up. Such a shame that such a beautiful building has been let go to ruin

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615405)

Bernadette, im sure the feeling is mutual. Such an iportant and historic building needs caring for, i just hope they make a proper job of it and conserve it appropriately.

Have you by any chance read the notice that has been affixed to the front gate or had any contact with the company ?

I cannot imagine it would be anything illegal though as the street is covered in CCTV and the council offices are immediately opposite.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615428)

Okay, if you dont mind, could you let me know what it says as i am very interested in any proposed plans for the premises.

Originally Posted by katex (Post 615306)

This is the only company anywhere near the name that I can find, may not be correct though :-

WebCHeck - Select and Access Company Information

Originally Posted by katex (Post 615714)

Good stuff Baxenden Sherlock .. we knew re. the Cannon Street Baptist Planning, etc., but last we heard was back on the market. Can see you gonna' be a great asset to Accy web ... well done !!

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615671)

5. by 2015 the company aims to have procured the exclusive rights to both premises and begin development.

.

Originally Posted by steeljack (Post 615739)

Maybe I'm a bit thick this morning , but just what does " procured the exclusive rights" mean , does that mean they own the place ? can anyone explain , thanks :confused: :confused:

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE (Post 615751)

I read the notice and it seems that after extensive searching the present owners can't be found. As Baxenden says this company are going to make the building secure with a view to re-vamping but all alterations will follow planning permission. Even replacing the windows will be a big improvement and will stop further deteroration due to rain getting in.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615767)

So is this another adverse possession claim ? although i cant complain, if they company follows through with there plans.

Anything that improves the exterior of these two delapodated buildings is a god send.

Originally Posted by [email protected] (Post 615956)

So someone beat Chelmswood to it - hence this thread
Posh squatters in Rolls Royces

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615671)

MORE INFORMATION

Hello again, just got of the telephone after speaking with HM Joint Ventures. I can confirm the following:

1. The company has claimed the rights to two derelict buildings on cannon street, these are the conservative club and the baptist church, both of which are in a very very poor state of repair and are being used by squatters.

2. Today is the official start date of the companies venture within these two buildings and to mark it they have accessed both premises and served eviction orders with immediate effect.

3. Both premises have today been reasonably secured and are now being patrolled by independant security firms on a regular basis.

4. Later this year the company aims to begin clearing both sites and repairing windows and doors until both premises are weatherproof and secure.

5. by 2015 the company aims to have procured the exclusive rights to both premises and begin development.

6. There are no plans for the conservative club, however the church has planning permission to be converted into 16 luxury flats or offices.

7. Anybody wishing to inspect the plans or who requires more information can do so by calling into the Accrington Conservative Club site office, down the right hand side of the building when it is set up on the 15th September.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616122)

Hello, i have had the opportunity today to take a look inside both the conservative club and the Former baptist church, accompanies by officials from HM Joint Ventures i have tried to upload some pictures but cant, if anyone wants copies i will be pleased to email them to you

Originally Posted by Rob H (Post 616395)

Hi Baxenden.

Quite intrigued by this thread. Surprised the notice does not contain contact details for H.M Joint Ventures. See you have spoken to them. Have you a phone number or address for them?
Cheers Rob

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616404)

Hiya Rob, erm i do have there telephone number somewhere amongst the clutter in my office, im not currently at work however when i go in later today ill find it and post it on here for you.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616717)

Hello all,... quick question here,... which council department would i contact for information about what HM Joint Ventures are doin at these two derelict sites, who would be the most appropriate person to ask.

Because apparently the council, whilst they should be denying the company the right to possess illegally, have encouraged them to claim the sites whilst turning a blind eye.

Originally Posted by katex (Post 616721)

Well seemingly Cllr. G. Jones heads the Planning Department .. send him a P.M. ... is a member on here. Under G.Jones .. is responsive.

Originally Posted by katex (Post 616731)

Planning permission has been granted on Cannon Street Baptist Steeljack, but seemingly turned down on the Conservative Club.

The biggest enigma is the similarity between the text of Chelmswood/Baxenden .. :confused:

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616717)

Hello all,... quick question here,... which council department would i contact for information about what HM Joint Ventures are doin at these two derelict sites, who would be the most appropriate person to ask.

Because apparently the council, whilst they should be denying the company the right to possess illegally, have encouraged them to claim the sites whilst turning a blind eye.

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE (Post 616759)

Seems to me that yourself and Chelmsford appear to be interested in the same sites. Could it be because you may be able to get vacant possession?? Or is that just me being suspicious?

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616863)

Im not interested in the slightest about putting in any claim or suchlike, i just really want to know what this copany plans to do it and how they have come into possesson of the two premises because someone has obviously given them a key.

Its just a little confusing that no-one from either the council, or the company seems to be aware of exactly what is happening.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 616876)

Why don't you contact the Observer?

I'm sure they could illicit a response from H.B.C., as to why one of Accrington's most famous landmarks appears to be being aquired by stealth from under their very noses.

Sounds newsworthy to me.

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 616882)

Good Idea. Although im surprised they havent already jumped on the possibility of such a controvertsial story. Ill give them a quick email.

Cheers

Originally Posted by [email protected] (Post 619061)

So the sneaky squatters tried it on - really glad they haven't got away with the scam:D
Thanks, Mr Jones, for letting us know

Originally Posted by Baxenden (Post 615789)

i will be going in on the 15th August. I Will take pictures and post them if anyones interested.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 619090)

Thanks for clearing that up Graham.

The whole thing stank...almost as much as the last member that posted about land grabbing the quarry...for the public's best interest of course.

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 619092)

Oh goodie gumdrops, that's today.

Can't wait to see your photographs.

We wait with bated breath.

Originally Posted by g jones (Post 619056)

The plans are to go from 5 floors to about 11 without increasing the height of the builiding. All commercial lettings. 22,000 sq ft to 63,000 sq ft on the same footprint. Everything demolished except the first 6 metres from the front elevation. Fulll front restoration - iron work mainly. Rear entrance to be near to 100% glass. A large glass atrium going down to the ground floor in the middle of the building. Mezanine floors at the front where it is listed. Gym restaurant in basement. Retail office conference gound, office above. Rooftop cafe/restaurant with panoramic views. Cash in place. Work begins May (they say!) finished Christmas 2011 (18 months).

Originally Posted by Less (Post 1123189)

Which church? Where? How many churches are decorated with Indian restaurant pink flock wallpaper as in your last pic'????

Originally Posted by Ewoodsambo3 (Post 1123211)

Lol. Those pictures are of inside the baptist church on cannon street.
And I havnt got a clue whwhat was going through their mind when they chose the wallpaper.
but the church is absolutely enormous and consists of lots of rooms upstairs downstairs and in the basement.
what they were all used for I do not know.
But i do know that the church used to be at one time a lot bigger... that's right, BIGGER!!
Both Voodoo Nightclub Club And Opium Nightclub used to be part of the church.

Originally Posted by Restless (Post 1123440)

School and church should forever be separated :)

Originally Posted by Ewoodsambo3 (Post 1123169)

I know it's been a few years since this thread was started but I have a picture that I took a few months ago when I went inside this church. And oddly the HM Joint Ventures Logo is stuck on doors throughout the church as seen on the doors in these photos...

Originally Posted by Restless (Post 1123452)

lardedars etc is now flats

Originally Posted by Morecambe Ex Pat (Post 1123478)

Are there flats all the way along Willow Street?

I regularly worked at the Con club in a former life and was involved with Lar de Dars and the Berkley, when they were converted and then when they were operating and find it sad that another chunk of my history has disappeared.

The rear steps, the fire damaged ones on the urban explorer site, used to be used to get equipment up to the function rooms and ballroom. Most people never knew they existed but access was much easier that way than the main stone steps at the front.

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer (Post 1123467)

Was you part of this exploring party?
Report - Canon Street Baptist Church - Accrington (Aug 2014)

Here is a report on the con club.
Report - Accrington Conservative Club, Lancashire - April '14

Originally Posted by Atarah (Post 1123340)

Are you sure about what you are saying Sambo. The nightclubs were part of the old SCHOOL, not the church, as far as I am aware.

Originally Posted by Ewoodsambo3 (Post 1123822)

Yes Accy Explorer me and my friend were there at the time and we positioned that basketball in that spot so they could get a photo.