Photo-a-Day  (Friday, 7th February, 2014)

There's a door just on the right of this building with two light fittings above it you can make it out if you zoom in a bit. I came out of that door a single man. Next time I went through it I was a married man...

What is this building used for now?

I think you mean: I went through that door a single man. Next time I came out a married man.
When was the last time we saw sky like that...not for a long time.

my Mum was a button hole maker here - many years ago. One interesting fact, during the American War of Independence when there was no cotton coming in to be worked, a group of men met together to try & work out what could be done to bring back employment to the area. One was Mr.Coop, another Mr.Singer. They asked the government if they could help people back to work by making uniforms for the army. This was done, Singer provided the sewing machines, factories were built & the Rag Trade started.

There's some lovely brickwork on that building, lets hope the council leave it alone.

I was on the Board of Grosvenor Housing when this building was saved from dereliction and possible demolition by the Association - later Arena, now YOUR Housing.
It was converted to serve a number of purposes - the ground floor here was originally offices for the Association, with flats for rent on the floors above. The central area to the left was converted into offices, mainly used by charitable companies, such as the Douglas Valley Partnership. The opposite wing of the building became Coops Foyer, where training, support, and accommodation are provided for 16-25 year olds.
It should be safe for the foreseeable future, Alan, though it's a long time since I was involved there, and the present Government's cut-backs mean that no project providing care and support is safe.

am I right in thinking its for the homeless and people who are addicted to drink and drugs

No I was right first time. I came out single. Got married then went back in but two weeks later

What are you like, Gerry!
If the council want a job, remove all them weeds from the pavement.
This photo would have been much better in wide view.

The Foyer certainly caters for youngsters with accommodation problems, but it isn't a treatment centre for addicts.

Sorry, I made a mistake. it was the American Civil War when the meeting and its results happened. the was a blockade stopping cotton from being exported.