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Miracle man Fabrice Muamba will have a refurbished town centre homelessness building named after him.
The Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) has opted to rename Gilead House in Duke Street after the former Wanderers midfielder.
Gilead House has been transformed into a 36-bedroom homelessness service, with part of the old building demolished to make way for new facilities.
A planning application has just been approved by Bolton Council for the erection of a new sign on the side of the building.
An illuminated steel sign, with a ‘halo’ effect, will now be added.
The Wanderers midfielder’s name was chosen from 50 options after a vote involving staff, stakeholders and residents.
Fabrice said: “It was an honour to be asked to lend my name to the building and I hope it in some way helps raise further awareness of the great work the Salvation Army Housing Association carries out.”
Peter Latham, SAHA’s head of business support and innovation, added: “The new building is nearly finished and we’re pleased to have got planning permission for this latest stage. After the final stages are completed, we will have an official launch.”
Fabrice left Wanderers, and retired from football altogether, shortly after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during an FA Cup match against Tottenham in March, 2012.
Since the incident, during which Fabrice’s heart stopped for 78 minutes, he has pursued a career in broadcasting and is currently studying for a journalism degree at Staffordshire University while working part-time for Bolton FM.
A SAHA spokesman said: “We are pleased to be nearing completion of our new 36-bedroom homelessness service in Bolton, which will replace the outdated facilities at our current Gilead House building.
“The new building offers homely accommodation with onsite facilities to support local people experiencing homelessness to build a positive future.
"Muamba House was chosen by a panel of staff, stakeholders and residents as a positive local example of overcoming adversity and we deeply appreciate Fabrice’s support.”
Source
The Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) has opted to rename Gilead House in Duke Street after the former Wanderers midfielder.
Gilead House has been transformed into a 36-bedroom homelessness service, with part of the old building demolished to make way for new facilities.
A planning application has just been approved by Bolton Council for the erection of a new sign on the side of the building.
An illuminated steel sign, with a ‘halo’ effect, will now be added.
The Wanderers midfielder’s name was chosen from 50 options after a vote involving staff, stakeholders and residents.
Fabrice said: “It was an honour to be asked to lend my name to the building and I hope it in some way helps raise further awareness of the great work the Salvation Army Housing Association carries out.”
Peter Latham, SAHA’s head of business support and innovation, added: “The new building is nearly finished and we’re pleased to have got planning permission for this latest stage. After the final stages are completed, we will have an official launch.”
Fabrice left Wanderers, and retired from football altogether, shortly after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during an FA Cup match against Tottenham in March, 2012.
Since the incident, during which Fabrice’s heart stopped for 78 minutes, he has pursued a career in broadcasting and is currently studying for a journalism degree at Staffordshire University while working part-time for Bolton FM.
A SAHA spokesman said: “We are pleased to be nearing completion of our new 36-bedroom homelessness service in Bolton, which will replace the outdated facilities at our current Gilead House building.
“The new building offers homely accommodation with onsite facilities to support local people experiencing homelessness to build a positive future.
"Muamba House was chosen by a panel of staff, stakeholders and residents as a positive local example of overcoming adversity and we deeply appreciate Fabrice’s support.”
Source