The Silverman Hall-Ghosia Mosque, Pendle Street, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7NH

Image: © Robert Wade Taken: 28 Apr 2010

Nelson and District Weavers Association Published Wednesday 26th November 08 The future of one of the most historic buildings in Nelson has been guaranteed. The Silverman Hall has been sold by PEARL (Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Limited) to a local community group. It was originally built in 1904 by Nelson and District Weavers' Association as the Weavers' Institute and Assembly Hall. Then it was later taken over as a Civic Hall by Pendle Council and named after Sidney Silverman, MP for Nelson and Colne between 1935 and 1968. Now the Trustees of the Ghosia Mosque have acquired the building and will use it for community and educational purposes. Out of respect for the building's heritage, they will keep the name, and have agreed to protect the original features of the building. They will also ensure the building is available to all sections of the community Pendle Leisure Trust will remain in the building until mid-2009, when all its activities will transfer to the new landmark ACE Centre. Mohammed Iqbal, Secretary of the Ghosia Mosque Trustees, said "We are delighted to have acquired this prominent building, which will allow us to provide a much better service to the community. We are hoping to form a partnership with local organisations such as the Royal British Legion to ensure this landmark building is used for years to come." Cllr John David, Chairman of PEARL, said: "This is good news for everyone! "The historic building is protected, the Mosque Trustees get a new facility and the cash from the sale gets ploughed back into the next range of regeneration projects in Nelson." Tim Webber, Chairman of Barnfield Construction and a member of the PEARL Board, said: "This is a remarkably good deal for everyone. It shows what can be done when the private sector, Council, and local communities work closely together." Phil Storey, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, added: "I am very pleased that this sale has gone through. "It gives everyone the chance to arrange things in good time before the new ACE Centre is ready." PEARL is Pendle Council's joint venture with Barnfield Construction Thanks to Pendle Council

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0