Hardy Lane Scrapbook: February 2010

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Before the Co-op Car Park

Hardy Lane, Chorlton
Originally uploaded by Gene Hunt

Taken in 2007 just before the new car park was built. Looks like the building work is about to start with the metal railings erected beyond the croft on the corner. The billboards which brought in thousands of pounds (GBP) for United Co-operative are still in place.

The Story

An unremarkable building that is now 83 years old. But it has one of the last meeting rooms, above a Co-op shop still with co-op activity. There used to be thousands of such rooms and halls in Britain. This is maybe the very last room.

It is very likely the oldest shop in Chorlton with continous trading, that is grocery. It's been run as a co-operative society branch since 1929.

Hoping to publish something in either print or video of the history. From a quiet country lane, the building of a housing estate, the opening of the shops and the end of farming. A fascinating story.

email coop AT biffadigital.org