10 - Community Asset Transfer - Garnock Valley Men's Shed
North Ayrshire Council · 27 August 2024
Back to Cabinet — 27 August 2024 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 27 August 2024 Cabinet Title: Community Asset Transfer- Garnock Valley Men’s Shed Purpose: To amend the previously agreed Community Asset Transfer to Garnock Valley Men’s Shed in relation to the former Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance Depot, Kilbirnie. Recommendation: That Cabinet: 1. Agrees to the variation of the decision made at Cabinet on the 8th December 2020 from a 25 year lease to full ownership of the former Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance Depot, Ladysmith Road, Kilbirnie in respect of the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed; and 2. Agrees that the asset be disposed of for the price of £2,750 (a 95% discount on the valuation of £55,000) and authorises relevant Council officers to engage with Garnock Valley Men’s Shed and their legal representatives to arrange the disposal of the asset and conclude the Community Asset Transfer process. 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. In July 2019, the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed made a successful application for a CAT which was approved at Cabinet in December 2020. They are now seeking to acquire full ownership of the building through a variation to that decision. 1.2 This report provides background to the request for the variation and a summary of some of the work that the group have undertaken in the interim period in preparation of acquisition of the building.
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2. Background 2.1 The Garnock Valley Men’s Shed Association (GVMS) submitted an application in July 2019 requesting a Community Asset Transfer in relation to the former Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance Deport at Ladysmith Road, Kilbirnie. The application was a request for a 25-year lease of the property via the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. The purpose of Garnock Valley Men’s Shed is to provide recreational facilities and advance the social needs, health and wellbeing of men of all ages and backgrounds living in Garnock Valley and surrounding areas. They are part of the national network of “Men’s Sheds”. 2.2 The original application was approved at Cabinet on 8th December 2020 with officers authorised to conclude the legal and Community Asset Transfer processes. 2.3 At the time of the application, GVMS were utilising the building under a Temporary Occupation License. The original Cabinet report noted that the group had indicated an interest in full ownership of the asset in the future and that a further report would be brought to Cabinet to seek relevant approvals should that interest materialise. 2.4 As part of the continued growth and capacity building of the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, and having considered the conditions of the lease and benefitting from the experience of operating the building, they now wish to own the building outright. Full ownership will provide the group with additional opportunities to invest in the building to meet their needs as part of their establishment within the fabric of the community. The price which is proposed for the sale is £2,750, representing a 95% reduction on the valuation of the property at £55,000. This proposed reduction has been calculated on the basis of the social value which the work of the group bring to the community and using the recognised process which has been established by the Community Asset Transfer Officers Working Group. 2.5 The group have already made several alterations to the building in order to better meet their needs and improve the accessibility for all members. Building Services have assisted them with their work and the project was the focus of the current cohort of apprentices who carried out the work in the facility to a very high standard. The building materials required were funded by the Council’s CAT Start Up Fund in order to make the project possible. 2.6 GVMS have also been successful in securing Community Investment Funding to install a new, fit for purpose heating system and are working with officers in the Sustainability Team to explore green energy options in advance of finalising which heating system to install. 2.7 The partnership working, capacity building and learning opportunities created through the above work has been exemplary and demonstrates delivery across our Council Plan priorities of wellbeing, communities and local democracy and tackling climate change. The proposal for acquisition of the building and the financial support provided to date through innovative funding mechanisms is evidence of Community Wealth Building in action.
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3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: 1. Agrees to the variation of the decision made at Cabinet on the 8th December 2020 from a 25 year lease to full ownership of the former Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance Depot, Ladysmith Road, Kilbirnie in respect of the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed; and 2. Agrees that the asset be disposed of for the price of £2,750 (a 95% discount on the valuation of £55,000); and authorises relevant Council officers to engage with Garnock Valley Men’s Shed and their legal representatives to arrange the disposal of the asset and conclude the Community Asset Transfer process. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The market valuation of the asset is £55,000. Given the social and economic benefits that the project delivers, it is proposed that a 95% discount is applied. This takes into account the social return on the investment and the improvements that the group have made to date. This will see an income of £2,750 to the General Fund alongside ongoing savings by way of property maintenance and administration of the lease. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 Democratic Services will engage with the Legal representatives of GVMS as required to conclude the disposal. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The nature of the work that GVMS delivers directly supports mitigating the effects of social isolation and mental health issues, especially among men. Members of the group report improved mood and a feeling of belonging and self -worth as they learn and create new things together in the Shed. Many of the things made are in turn used by local community groups which further widens the benefit to the local community. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 GVMS are in discussions with Council officers in relation to options for the asset in relation to green energy and improved efficiency, including scope for a bid to the Council’s Community Renewable Energy Generation Fund. Having full ownership will assist them in this regard as they seek funding and deliver the work on the asset.
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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. Climate Change – they group are working towards a greener approach to utilities. The materials used by the group are mainly donations of offcuts of wood from local suppliers or donations of furniture / wood that would go to landfill. They then repurpose the wood and other materials to create new things, delivering a circular economy. A Sustainable Council – The asset is being repurposed and used by the community for improved outcomes deliver to and by the community. Local trades people ad suppliers are used for the day-to-day operation of the building. 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. 5. Consultation 5.1 Consultation on this variation has been carried out with various internal services including Democratic Services and Property Management & Investment. David W. Hammond Executive Director, Communities and Housing For further information please contact : Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on 01294 324415. Background Papers N/A.