Bosses defend controversial deal to buy Mexborough Resource Centre

Bosses have defended a controversial deal to buy Mexborough Resource Centre, revealing it has brought free training and services to the town.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mexbrough’s Doncaster First Councillors criticised a deal which saw Mexborough Business Centre buy the resource centre from the charity Mexborough Community Partnerships last year, because the building had been bought with a Coalfields Regeneration Trust grant.

But a statement from business centre sales and media and manager, Steve Cooper, said the deal was approved by the Charities Commission, and the charities aims and objectives had been met.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added the centre was used for the benefit of the residents of Mexborough, with free training courses in security, forklift work, computers, care work, and construction; and hobby courses like cake decorating.

Mexborough Business Centre owner Peter Newman, outside Mexborough Resource Centre, which he has bought from Mexborough Community PartnershipMexborough Business Centre owner Peter Newman, outside Mexborough Resource Centre, which he has bought from Mexborough Community Partnership
Mexborough Business Centre owner Peter Newman, outside Mexborough Resource Centre, which he has bought from Mexborough Community Partnership

It stated: “We were approached by Mexborough Community Partnership, that due to financial difficulties with the costs of running the resource centre, were already in the process of seeking a buyer for the centre and were in talks with a London Investment Company, a sale that could have led to the centre to being demolished, redeveloped or left empty for a number of years.

“By approaching us at the last minute it enabled Mexborough Business Centre to purchase the building with our full intentions to build a programme to bring much-needed training and local courses and activities to Mexborough and a base for small start-up businesses.

“Since our purchase of the Resource Centre, we have worked with Mexborough Community Partnership to transform the centre into a vibrant environment with many communal activities taking place every week.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It added: “Working with Mexborough Community Partnership we have enabled Mexborough Resource Centre to open the very first Art Gallery in the town, free of charge to all exhibitors and for the residents of Mexborough to visit and also gives local artists the opportunity to showcase their work, something that has never been available in Mexborough.

It has also brought in start-up businesses including a beaty salon and a music academy.

It added Mexborough Community Partnership was an independent charity that chooses to carry out community projects for Mexborough and was not under any obligation to carry out any activities suggested by any other individuals or independent groups.

Related topics: