Community Asset Transfer (CAT) is about giving local people and community groups greater control in the future of their area. It gives local groups the chance to own or manage community buildings, such as community centres or village halls.
It encourages a stronger community spirit by bringing people from different backgrounds together to work towards a shared goal.
Following a meeting of the Tourism Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee the following decisions were made in relation to current Community Asset Transfer matters:
Pensby library
Committee agreed for a transfer of this asset to 'Pioneer People' along with agreement of the Heads of Terms and capital and revenue sums to support that transfer.
Prenton library
Committee agreed that this asset should proceed to transfer to St. Stephens Church based on the business plan and the community benefits.
To note: This asset is not owned by the council but leased from Magenta Living by the council and further discussions around these matters have been held with Magenta Living regarding assignment of the lease to St. Stephen Church and this matter is progressing positively.
Woodchurch library
The organisation that submitted the original business plan have now withdrawn from the CAT process.
Discussions have taken place with the school who are bringing forward proposals to use this asset as a warm hub and then for pupils with special educational needs.
Committee therefore agreed that this asset is removed from the current CAT process so that the other uses proposed can be taken forward.
Irby library
A revised business plan was submitted by The Friends of Irby Library (FOIL) for a range of community uses and a cafe in this building, which is assessed as viable. Committee therefore agreed that negotiations commence with FOIL regarding a transfer of this asset.
Higher Bebington library
A revised business plan was submitted by the Co-op academy which is assessed as viable.
Committee therefore agreed that negotiations commence regarding a transfer of this asset.
Hoylake library
As no viable business plan has been produced it is recommended that the property should be marketed for commercial purposes given its location in the retail area of Market Street in Hoylake.
Wallasey Village library
A revised business plan was submitted by the Wallasey Village Library and Community Centre which is assessed as viable.
Committee therefore agreed that negotiations commence regarding a transfer of this asset.
Brackenwood Golf Course
Committee agreed that the council start negotiations with Brackenwood Community Golf Limited, on the basis of their business plan, to seek to agree head of terms regarding transfer of the course. An update is to be reported to a future meeting of the Committee.
Bromborough Civic Centre
This asset was put into consideration by Policy and Resources Committee at their meeting on 9 November 2022 with expressions of interest (EOI) invited by 20 December 2022.
Two Expressions of Interest have been received. Committee agreed to invite business plans from both parties, which will be assessed by officers and reported to a future meeting of the Committee for consideration.
Former public toilets in Moreton
This asset was declared surplus by Committee at its meeting on 25 October 2022.
Following the approval of the Asset Strategy by Policy and Resources Committee on 9 November 2022, this matter can now be considered for CAT.
Moreton in Bloom have submitted an expression of interest in this asset to make use for storage and as a base for their Christmas lights and environmental work in the area.
Given this asset is very localised and the significant community benefits which will result from these activities, committee have agreed to negotiate with this local group for the transfer of this asset.