RESIDENTS who saved Stretford Public Hall from the developers have welcomed their first paying tenants.

The Grade ll listed building, on the corner of Chester Road and Kingsway was built for the local community by John Rylands in 1878. It was handed over to the Friends of Stretford Public Hall in March this year after a successful campaign to save it from developers.

The Friends group devised a plan to run the hall as both a community facility and as a commercial venture. As part of that plan sections of the hall have been converted into studio and office space.

Following a community clean-up day the spaces have been cleared and painted ready for the tenants to move in.

One of the new tenants is award-winning illustrator Bridget Collin. Bridget recently received the Manchester Academy of Fine Art Graduate Award. Also taking advantage of the light, airy and affordable studio space are Ian Tattersall, Ray Hughes and Nic Wallis.

Ian is an Art psychotherapist but wants his space at the hall to develop his own paint work. Ray is an abstract figurative painter creating bold and beautiful work and Nic’s passion lies within many creative processes including woodwork and card craft.

Annoushka Deighton from the Friends of Stretford Public hall said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new tenants and hope they will be the first of many. There are all sorts of spaces to rent in this historic building.

“We are keen to accommodate a range of businesses and local enterprises so there are studios, lockable units, office space and also shared offices and hot desking available, all at affordable prices.”

For any enquiries about studio or office space contact friends@stretfordpublichall.org.uk