YOU could be part owner of a regal nineteenth century Grade II listed building – for just £10.

The Friends of Stretford Public Hall have launched a membership offer to own a share and have a say in the future of Stretford Public Hall.

They are hoping to raise £10,000 for essential urgent repairs to the building.

The building was commissioned by Victorian entrepreneur John Rylands in 1879 and used more recently by Trafford Council.

It closed in 2014 and then sold to the community group last year.

The group plans to use the building as a space for theatre, music and comedy, art studios and business start-ups. It may also house a café and be used as a venue for weddings, classes and community events.

Residents who buy a share will become lifetime co-owners of the building, as the Friends group is now a Co-op, so members will have a real say in how the building is run.

Shelly Quinton-Hulme, Friends of Stretford Public Hall director, said: “We are working hard to get this beloved building open to the public again after years of it being inaccessible to the public as council offices.

“We want it to be the heart of our community providing space to rent for community events and classes.

“The membership offer is a great way of getting involved in the building’s future and being able to have a real say in what happens.”

Mrs Quinton-Hulme said although Chester Road venue looked in relatively good condition, it did not comply with today’s current building standards and regulations.

She said: “The fire alarm and escapes are not up to regulations, the roof leaks, there are not enough toilets and we need change of building use.”

Share owners would have full voting rights at the AGM and the opportunity to join the board of the Friends of Stretford Public Hall.

Residents interested joining as a member or to wish to donate can find out more and apply via the website stretfordpublichall.org.uk or can go to the hall and fill out an application form.