More buildings for communities

In his response to the recent Quirk review, Making Assets Work, Local Government Minister Phil Woolas is challenging councils to breathe new life into run down buildings by transferring them to community groups for as little as £1, saying that he expects every council to step up by this time next year.

The review, which looked at what prevents more public buildings being taken over by community groups, found that obstacles to transferring public buildings to the community are often cultural rather than legal. It recommends that councils be given better guidance about the transfer process and that the provision of information and training both for local authorities and community-led organisations is stepped up.

What does this mean?

Local authorities and some other public bodies have the power to transfer buildings or land to community groups for less than the market price and are being encouraged to do so, where it will produce benefits for the community. When considering what to do with a building they should consider all the options available and so any community group putting forward a proposal to take over a public building must make it clear how it will add value to the local community. Where can you find out more? There are a number of different places where you can find more information, advice and support. Organisations which specialise in this area include

• The Development Trusts Association
• Community Matters
• ACRE
  

The Development Trusts Association produce a number of useful guides on this subject including To Have and to Hold which you can download free.

You can find advice about funding for this type of project from

• The Adventure Capital Fund
• Community Development Finance Association

If you would like to find out about other community groups who have successfully taken over the management of a public building here are some examples

• The Burton Street Project
• Gamblesby Village Hall
• Butterworth Hall, Rochdale
  

Other useful links

Find out more about the Quirk Review, Making Assets Work and the government’s implementation plan Opening the transfer window.