Council cafe leases on offer

A CHANCE to run cafes at four council-owned properties across the borough is up for grabs.

The local authority has advertised leases in the Oldham Chronicle for the ground floor Library Cafe, Failsworth, and the cafes at Gallery Oldham and Brownhill Countryside Centre, Uppermill.

It is also offering for sale a two-storey detached building in Higher Crompton Park with the recommendation that it is “envisaged” it will be converted into a cafe, bistro or restaurant.

No price has been advertised for the building, It has invited offers with no guide price.

The Library Cafe in Failsworth is offered with an annual lease costing £7,000 and is in the town hall, overlooking the canal.

The lease for the Oldham Gallery Cafe is virtually three times the cost, at £20,000, and the cafe at Brownhill Countryside Centre, which overlooks Huddersfield Canal, is offered on a £9,000 lease.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration, said: “It is vital that the council makes the best possible use of the property in its portfolio.

“One example of this is marketing the café space. By offering these on the open market we aim to provide better services for residents at no additional cost.”