THE SALE of the former Redi Centre has been delayed thanks to a £50,500 grant secured by community campaigners.
The Redditch Youth and Community Enterprise (RYCE) has been using the building, which had been lying empty since 2010, since March but their lease was due to end this month.
But the grant from Social Investment Business will enable them to host eight consultation sessions with residents.
They will also be putting together a professional business case to put before potential investors – they have persuaded Redditch Borough Council to extend their lease and halt the marketing of the South Street site.
RYCE previously bid for Youth House, which was closed by Worcestershire County Council at the end of 2012, but although their offers were rejected by the county council one of the investors from that process is potentially interested in putting up the money for the Redi Centre.
Chair Ray Groves said: “Obviously RYCE is extremely pleased Redditch Borough Council is giving us the opportunity, with the aid of a grant from SIB, to have a professionally-prepared social and business plan for the Redi.
“The plan will be prepared in conjunction with the local community’s involvement, Bromsgrove and Redditch Network and locally-sourced consultants.
“This will confirm the sustainability of the centre as a community building, enabling us to establish a centre of excellence for the future generations of Redditch.”
A council spokeswoman confirmed it had been agreed and they would postpone the sale of the site.
“RYCE have recently been successful in securing a grant to enable them to put a bid together to take over the building and service.
“Therefore the council has agreed to give them the time to explore this opportunity which may enable them to secure further funding to purchase the building.”
