THE future of a historic building has been guaranteed after it was purchased by a community group.

Silverman Hall, in Pendle Street, Nelson, has been sold by Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Limited (PEARL) to the trustees of the Ghosia Mosque, who will use it for community and educational purposes.

The name of the building will remain the same as a mark of respect and the group has agreed to protect the original features of the structure.

They will also ensure the building is available for all sections of the community to use.

The hall was originally built in 1904 by Nelson and District Weavers’ Association as the Weavers’ Institute and Assembly Hall.

Then it was later taken over as a civic hall by Pendle Council and named after Sidney Silverman, MP for Nelson and Colne between 1935 and 1968, who campaigned to abolish hanging.

Pendle Leisure Trust will remain in the building until mid-2009, when all its activities will transfer to the new landmark ACE (Arts, Community, Enterprise) Centre, which is under construction.

Mohammed Iqbal, secretary of the Ghosia Mosque trustees, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this prominent building, which will allow us to provide a much better service to the community.

“We are hoping to form a partnership with local organisations such as the Royal British Legion to ensure this landmark building is used for years to come.”

Coun John David, chairman of PEARL, said: “The historic building is protected, the Mosque trustees get a new facility and the cash from the sale gets ploughed back into the next range of regeneration projects in Nelson.”