Urban Cure seeks community support to buy the Salvation Army building for £500,000
Southchurch: Urban Cure, a community group, wants to buy the Salvation Army building. They’re asking locals to donate £10 for a share in the project.
They need to raise £500,000. Those who buy shares can help decide how to use the building for the community.
This building has helped the community for years. It offers support and a sense of belonging. The Salvation Army is selling it privately.
Urban Cure has started a petition. It has 343 signatures so far, asking the Salvation Army to stop the sale and let them take over.
A spokesperson for Urban Cure said the building is in a struggling area. Residents face unemployment and low incomes. Losing this space could worsen their situation.
Shares start at just £10, making it easy for everyone to help. The funds will pay off a loan for buying the building and support ongoing projects.
In a letter to the Salvation Army, Urban Cure stressed that everyone can invest and have a say in the building’s future, no matter their income.
The spokesperson added that any new ownership should focus on ethical solutions for poverty and education.
They urged the Salvation Army to reconsider selling to a private buyer. They want to keep the church’s community service mission alive.
A Salvation Army spokesperson said their Southchurch building closed in 2023. They’ve advertised the sale to both private buyers and community groups.
They haven’t received an offer from Urban Cure yet but would welcome one.
To support the petition, visit change.org/p/save-the-salvation-army-church-on-southchurch-road-ss1-through-community-shares.
