The incoming Manchester UJIA chairman has pledged that proceeds from the sale of its Mamlock House site will be ring-fenced for the community.
Hale-based Andrew Joseph, 47, who has served the organisation for 20 years, steps up from his role as vice-chair. "It is the intention that the proceeds from the sale of Mamlock House will be committed to a community asset," he said. "The exact nature of that asset is still to be decided."
Many of the charities which worked from Mamlock House had hoped that future plans would include their being back under the same roof. However, Mr Joseph considered this unlikely.
"There is a possibility for the future but in practice some of those organisations will become settled in their new premises - and in reality there is limited synergy between the organisations." UJIA has taken premises in Altrincham, in south Manchester, where "the community has grown considerably as has the UJIA donor base". As for the Mamlock House sale, "we are writing to interested parties to confirm a date for best bids for the property."
