Green light for project to replace Oasis Café (From Ilkley Gazette)

Green light for project to replace Oasis Café

1:58pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in Local news

Work can now begin on the £100,000 project to succeed Ilkley’s popular Oasis Café, after planning perm-ission was granted for the scheme.

The community group behind the venture can now transform the former Glovers Garage site in Bridge Lane after Bradford Council planners backed an application submitted in May.

So far, £60,000 has been secured for the project, which aims to create a ‘social hub’ for the local commu-nity, while also providing training and work experience to adults with learning disabilities.

“We were blown away by the number of fans the cafe has already,” said Karen Goodman, one of the venture’s backers.

“This is an important develop-ment in our work to build on the best of the much-loved Oasis Café, and set up a new venture that can provide more opportunities for everyone.”

Fundraising efforts are being stepped up as the remaining £40,000 is still needed to secure the refubishment of the former car showroom and pay for running costs for the first three years.

Outgoing project chairman, Baptist Church Minister Stuart Jenkins, who has a new job in southern England, said: “There is now a real momentum behind the community cafe, with lots of support coming in from local people and organisations, all wanting to help to get it set up and to be involved once it is open.

“People really do want to see this happen in Ilkley."

As part of the planning approval, the council says the new cafe cannot be open between 10pm and 8am.

Since last autumn, the cafe, based at one of All Saints Parish Church's buildings, has been looking for new premises, allowing it to operate full-time and become a bigger part of Ilkley's community life.

For more information or to pledge support to the café call Helen on 07772 968745 or e-mail newoasisproject@live.co.uk