Community organisations are now being invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for four Sefton facilities as part of the Council’s Community Assets Process.
Opportunities are available for:
- the former Ainsdale Library building and the next-door former public toilet block;
- Hesketh Park Conservatory in Southport;
- the operation of the Community Kitchen at Cambridge Road Adult Education Centre in Seaforth, Waterloo;
- a single former public toilet block at Duke Street Park in Formby.
Sefton Council’s Community Assets Process is designed to bring valued buildings and spaces with untapped potential into community-focused use for the benefit of local people. It enables community groups, charities and social enterprises to lease Council-owned buildings and land and use them to deliver activities, services and initiatives that benefit residents.
The process means that the Council retains ownership of the asset while successful organisations take responsibility for its day-to-day management, maintenance and operation, under a lease or similar agreement.
Organisations operating on a not-for-profit basis, including charities, community interest companies, community benefit societies and voluntary organisations, are eligible to apply.
The first stage of the process is for organisations to submit Expressions of Interest. In these, applicants must submit a brief proposal, which includes the planned use of the building and the resulting benefits to the community.
Those Expressions of Interest will be assessed against a range of criteria, including community benefit, social value, financial sustainability and the ability to protect and improve assets for future generations.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to develop a detailed Business Plan, after which preferred tenants are identified and legal negotiations held. Groups can go to view the properties before submitting their Expression of Interest.
Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:
“We know these buildings and facilities matter to our communities, and we’re keen to hear fresh ideas about how they can be run in a way that will benefit local people in the future.
“The Community Assets Process gives community organisations the opportunity to bring their skills, experience and ambition to these sites.
“We want to hear innovative, sustainable proposals that can unlock the potential of these assets and help them thrive for years to come.”
The former Ainsdale Library building and the former public toilet block next-door offer an opportunity for an organisation to create a community-focused facility that supports learning, inclusion and access to services.
At Hesketh Park, community organisations are being invited to put forward ideas for the future of the Conservatory. The Council believes a community-led approach could help preserve and enhance the building while creating new opportunities for local people and visitors.
The Community Kitchen at Cambridge Road Adult Education Centre in Seaforth, Waterloo already plays an important role in learning and community activity. The Council is seeking a partner to operate the facility, providing affordable food and refreshments while supporting volunteering, learning and social connection.
And organisations interested in the one available former toilet block at Duke Street Park are being encouraged to bring forward sustainable proposals that complement and support the wide range of activities that already take place in the popular Formby park.
Councillor Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:
‘Although it revolves around these four buildings, this process is about much more than bricks and mortar.
“It’s about creating opportunities for people, supporting volunteers, improving wellbeing and strengthening community connections.
“We know there are fantastic organisations across Sefton with the passion and expertise to make a real difference, and we look forward to seeing the ideas they bring forward.”
Further information about the Community Assets Process, eligibility criteria and application documents can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/community-assets
Expressions of Interest can be submitted via the Community Assets Process page.
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