Crossley House Youth Centre

Image: © Gerald England Taken: 28 Sep 2016

Openshaw Lad's Club was founded in November 1888 by William John Crossley. It was previously known as the Gorton and Openshaw Working Lad's Club and the Crossley Lad's Club. The Crossley family financed the club up to 1941 and they built the club premises, Crossley House to commemorate Sir William Crossley after his death in 1911. The building was opened in September 1913. In July 1941 the premises were handed over to the National Association of Boy's Clubs and a management committee was formed to administer the club. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/95b2d453-14bb-4370-9602-74513d1783d2 For 21 years it was the home of the Boxing Club run by Bob Shannon http://www.boxingscene.com/bob-shannon-homeless-premises-broken-into--68554 The former base for Ricky Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera had been credited by police with helping to cut crime through its community work and regular kids sessions. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/community-boxing-club-openshaw-used-5684343 In 2013 crooks ripped out copper piping and stole priceless equipment from the club. The building was rendered unsafe and it remains closed. The building was also home to Careerlines, a careers advisory service. Image

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