11. Dir App - FINAL - Community Asset Transfer Arran Youth Foundationv2.0 (1) - 12.01.26
North Ayrshire Council · 27 January 2026
Back to Cabinet — 27 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 27 January 2026 Cabinet Title: Community Asset Transfer – Arran Youth Foundation Purpose: To amend the previously agreed Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to Arran Youth Foundation (AYF) in relation Arran Youth Hut, Arlington, Arran to a 25-Year Lease. Recommendation: That Cabinet: 1. Agrees to the variation of the decision made at Cabinet on 17th March 2020 from a full ownership CAT to a 25-year full repairing and insuring lease of the Arran Youth Hut, Arlington, on the grounds of Arran High School; 2. Authorises relevant Council officers to engage with Arran Youth Foundation and their legal representatives to agree suitable lease terms; and 3. Approves the rental level being discounted to represent the 95% reduction previously agreed at Cabinet in 2020. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Under the Community Empowerment Act (2015) local communities have the right to make a request to local authorities, via the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process, to take over the operation or ownership of a local asset. Arran Youth Foundation submitted an application for a CAT purchase which was approved by Cabinet in March 2020. This has not yet been completed and the group are now seeking to move to a 25-year CAT lease. 1.2 This report provides background to the request for the variation and a summary of the work that the group have undertaken in the interim period in preparation of the move to a 25-year lease. 2. Background 2.1 The Arran Youth Foundation (AYF) submitted an application in 2019 requesting a Community Asset Transfer in relation to the Arran Youth Hut, on the grounds of Arran High School. The application was a request for a full CAT of the property via the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. AYF exists to empower and support young people on the Isle of Arran by providing a safe, inclusive space for learning, creativity, and wellbeing. They aim to build confidence, life skills, and community connections
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through youth-led activities, mental health support, and opportunities for personal growth. 2.2 The original application was approved by Cabinet on 17th March 2020, with officers authorised to conclude the legal and Community Asset Transfer processes. 2.3 At the time of the application, AYF were utilising the building under a local informal agreement which had been in place for over 10 years. 2.4 As part of the continued growth and capacity building of AYF, and having considered the conditions of the full CAT ownership, the Board of Directors paused the progression of the CAT. This was influenced by the impact of the pandemic and concerns about the condition of the building. 2.5 AYF has been working closely with the Senior Manager (Community Development) and Senior Officer (Islands) which resulted in an application by the Council, acting as Lead Partner, to the Scottish Government Islands Programme 2025/26 for funding to install a new, bespoke replacement youth centre in Lamlash, on the site of AYF’s current facility. 2.6 In 2024, North Ayrshire Council (NAC) supported the Arran Youth Foundation (AYF) to carry out a Feasibility Study, funded through the Repurposing Property Grant Fund. The project architect, working closely with youth workers and young people, conducted a thorough assessment of five potential options. Following this review, the preferred solution was identified as demolition of the existing building and the siting of a new portacabin, offering accommodation similar to the existing centre. An application for funding based on this option was successful, resulting in an award of £382,399 for the capital project. All funds must be legally committed by the end of March 2026. 2.7 Following this successful application to fund a portacabin, the AYF board have reviewed their needs and are now requesting a 25 year lease of the facility to enable them to progress with the build. Having reviewed the request, Council officers across the relevant services support the change from purchase to 25 year lease. 2.8 Island Youth Work services are currently provided in a structure of four linked portacabins, estimated to be 25+ years old. The existing centre is showing signs of significant deterioration and the recent feasibility study concluded that the cabins are beyond serviceable life. 2.9 A new portacabin structure will provide more overall floor area with a more desirable and functional layout. The new building will be constructed and largely fitted out off- site with on-site construction time restricted to the necessary groundworks and remaining fitting out and furnishing. On-site construction time will be 4-6 weeks. 2.10 Through ongoing consultation with Arran’s young people, it has been identified that this new facility will be transformational, safeguarding these vital youth services for years to come. In recent locality planning engagement, young people told us their centre “is the only free space left for young people on Arran”. 2.11 A 25-year lease provides stability that meets the needs of the Board of Directors and young people while providing additional opportunities for growth. The lease will be for
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a 25-year period on full repairing and insuring terms and subject to a recharge of all utility costs in relation to AYF occupation. Officers are requesting authorisation to continue negotiations with AYF in relation to the lease and recommend that the rental level is discounted to represent the 95% reduction previously agreed at Cabinet for a purchase in 2020. This proposed reduction was calculated based on the social value which the work of the organisation brings to the community and using the recognised process which has been established by the Community Asset Transfer Officers Working Group. 2.12 The group has maintained the building to the highest standards possible, within the constraints of the structure, and the new replacement building will future proof the delivery of high-quality youth work provision on Arran in a building which is fit for purpose and has been created in partnership with young people. 2.13 The partnership working, capacity building and learning opportunities created through the work of the AYF has been exemplary and demonstrates delivery across our Council Plan priorities of wellbeing, communities and local democracy and tackling climate change. 2.14 The proposal of the 25-year CAT lease of the building and the financial support provided to date through innovative funding mechanisms is also evidence of Community Wealth Building in action. 3. Proposals That Cabinet: 3.1 Agrees to the variation of the decision made at Cabinet on the 21st of September 2021 from a full ownership CAT to a 25-year full repairing and insuring lease of the Arran Youth Hut, Arlington, on the grounds of Arran High School; 3.2 Authorises relevant Council officers to engage with Arran Youth Foundation and their legal representatives to agree suitable lease terms; and 3.3 Approves the rental level being discounted to represent the 95% reduction previously agreed at Cabinet in 2021. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The market valuation of the asset in 2020 was £20,000 and given the social and economic benefits that the project delivers, Cabinet approved a 95% discount. This takes into account the social return on the investment and the improvements that the group have made to date. If approved by Cabinet, it is proposed that this 95% discount will be attributed to the commercial rental level when finalising the lease terms. Human Resources 4.2 None.
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Legal 4.3 Democratic Services will engage with the Legal representatives of AYF as required to conclude the lease. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The nature of the work that AYF directly supports mitigates the effects of social isolation and mental health issues, especially among young people. Members of the group report improved mood and a feeling of belonging and self-worth as they learn and create new things together. They are actively involved with the Citizenship and participation structure opportunities, through Youth Cabinet, and youth forums. They work closely with Arran Outdoor Education Centre, schools and other community groups which further widens the benefit to the local community. The Arran Islan Plans vision is that by 2032 Arran “is a vibrant, engaged and resourceful island community”. Priorities include health and wellbeing, community capacity, empowerment and governance, maximising land and assets, community facilities. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The project will produce a more climate-resilient youth centre, achieving energy efficiency through modern technologies and superior building performance, fitting with net zero ambitions. The new centre will be better insulated, wind and watertight, have more efficient electric smart heaters, and new double-glazed windows. Compared to traditional builds, off-site construction has 90% less vehicle movements and 90% less waste generated in the production process. Key Priorities 4.6 The proposal contributes to our Council Plan priorities in the following ways: Wellbeing – the group helps members to build up personal capacity as well as supports other local, community organisations to deliver local services. Members learn new skills and build up confidence in their ability to assist with seeking work or formal training. Communities and Local Democracy – the group promotes and nurtures an ethos of an active, inclusive, and participatory community, and the Council will identify new or enhanced opportunities for our island communities to achieve delivery of their island priorities, as defined in the strategic Local Island Plans. Climate Change - the group are working towards a greener approach to utilities. Community Wealth Building 4.7 This proposal supports the development of Community Wealth Building in relation to Land and Assets: Maximising the function and ownership of local physical assets for the benefit of communities and enterprises. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)
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4.8 The proposal and recommendations are specific to needs and circumstance identified on Arran and are unlikely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 The request supports the rights of children and young people through offering better access to facilities, in particular supporting Article 12 right to be heard as young people have been instrumental in the success of the facility and the impact of the services provided ensured the success of the application. Consumer Duty 4.10 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 Consultation on this variation has been carried out with various internal services including Education, Legal and Property Management & Investment. There also has been extensive consultation with the young people who use the facility as well as the wider community, this has been undertaken by AYF and supported the application to the Islands Fund. David W. Hammond Executive Director (Communities & Housing) For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on 01294 324415. Background Papers 0