Street Unity Club says goodbye after 103 years

By Laura Linham 22nd Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 5 minutes ago

Street Unity Club has closed permanently after 103 years in the town. The Leigh Road members' club shut on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, after members were told rising costs, falling income and fewer bookings meant it was no longer financially viable.

The closure was confirmed in a letter from Unity Club Street Ltd dated 12 June and signed by acting chairperson Richard Stevenson. The club later posted a farewell message thanking members, past and present, and everyone who had supported it during what it called an "incredible 103-year journey".

The letter said rising energy and brewery costs, increasing expenses and a continued decline in revenue had made it "increasingly difficult" to keep the club open. It said the past two years had been particularly challenging, with the club also affected by "a constant turnover of Committee members".

Members were told the club had explored every possible option, including trying to secure a loan. The letter said this had not been enough to fund the changes needed to improve the club and increase revenue.

Street Unity Club was formed in October 1922 as a working men's club. According to the club's own published history, it was originally set up as a place where men could meet after work and have a drink.

The club's early rules reflected a very different period in its history. Women were not allowed on the premises and men were expected to wear a collar and tie to enter.

It later became a long-running social venue for the town, with facilities including a function hall, skittle alley, pool room, snooker room, darts facilities and a conference room. Over the years, it hosted members' activities, private events and wider community use.

In its farewell message, the club said it had been "a fantastic time filled with cherished memories". It referred to hundreds of events held there over the years, including parties, weddings, anniversaries and celebrations of life.

The club said: "Throughout it all, we have strived to be the heart of those experiences." It added: "As we close this chapter, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You will be dearly missed."

Members had previously been told that assets from the club would be made available to buy, with a list due to be posted on the notice board once permitted by the insolvency company. Anyone wishing to buy an item was told they would need to submit a request with a bid price, with bids to be considered and members informed of the outcome by the insolvency practitioner.