Statement on the Dug Out

We are aware of speculation in the community around the future of the Dug Out. We are considering selling this building. Unfortunately it has been a financial liability for us for many years, and in the current financial climate Wellspring Settlement can’t continue to carry this burden.

We have supported the tenants of the Dug Out, Barton Hill Amateur Boxing Club, for many years, including supporting with grant fundraising and significantly reduced rent. We have offered to work with the Boxing Club to secure them a new home in Barton Hill.

Wellspring Settlement has a long-standing commitment to the community of Barton Hill and we have recently brought the Swan pub back into community use through the creation of a new youth facility, funded through capital grants. We are also working closely with others to secure the Netham Pavilion as a community facility and bring it back into community use.

We wrote to the community in the summer outlining the significant financial challenges the organisation is facing. Unfortunately, these challenges have forced us to make difficult decisions, including reducing staff hours and considering this sale of the Dug Out building. These choices are to protect the long-term future of the organisation so we can continue to be here for the people of Barton Hill in the years to come.

We will continue to keep the community informed of any future decisions around this sale.