Community Asset Transfer - Brisbane Centre

North Ayrshire Council · 18 February 2025
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
18 February 2025
Cabinet
Title: Community Asset Transfer – Brisbane Centre
Purpose: To seek approval for the transfer of ownership of the
Brisbane Centre, Bath Street, Largs, KA30 8BL to the
Clyde Coast and Cumbrae Men’s Shed
Recommendation: That Cabinet:
Agrees to the asset transfer of the Brisbane Centre from
North Ayrshire Council to Clyde Coast and Cumbraes
Men’s Shed   (Scottish Charitable Incorporated
Organisation – SCIO);
b) Approves the recommended terms of transfer on this
occasion at 5% of the property valuation of £74,000
(totalling £3,700); and
c) Approves that officers conclude the associated legal and
community asset transfer processes for the Brisbane
Centre.
1. Executive Summary
1.1 This report proposes the community asset transfer of the Brisbane Centre, Bath
Street, Largs from North Ayrshire Council to "Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s
Shed (SCIO)”.
1.2 The transfer of the asset will provide a sustainable base for local, community-
based activity, focusing on the group’s key priorities and providing a space for
men to come together, create and support each other.
1.3 It is recommended that Cabinet agrees to the transfer of the Brisbane Centre
with an associated fee of 5% of the valuation price of £74,000 (£3,700 in total)
applied. This reflects the condition of the facility, the organisation’s investment
to date, savings made against future upkeep and the potential social return on
investment. The report also recommends that officers are delegated to
conclude the process under these terms.

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2. Background
2.1   North Ayrshire Council wishes to support its communities to make the best use
of land and assets which are available as part of our Community Wealth Building
ambitions. Under the terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act
2015, community asset transfer (CAT) provides an opportunity for people to be
involved in developing and providing opportunities or services for their local
communities. It may also allow groups to develop commercial ventures which will
support community benefit. Asset transfer may also mean that public assets get
used more frequently and more effectively. Furthermore, community-led
ownership may allow additional opportunities for groups to secure additional
funding or resources. 
2.2  The Brisbane Centre is located on Largs seafront, at the south end of Largs
Promenade, with access from Bath Street (see plan at Appendix 1). The transfer
will provide a sustainable base for the local Men’s Shed provision. 
2.3  The proposed uses include a range of events and activities which contribute to
the group’s key objective: “to provide recreational facilities and advance the
social needs, health and wellbeing of men of all ages and backgrounds living in
the Largs, Skelmorlie, Cumbraes, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Seamill areas.”
They will achieve this by -
• Creating, developing and maintaining a Men’s Shed
• Offering opportunities for men in the Clyde Coast and Cumbraes area
to meet and undertake creative, physical, purposeful and recreational
activities of their choice.
• Reducing isolation of men in the area thus contributing to their
physical and mental wellbeing
• Developing the capacity of men in the Clyde Coast and Cumbraes
area to share their skills and knowledge with others in the community
2.4  The concept of developing a local Men’s Shed started back in 2017 and the need
for the facility deepened as result of the pandemic lockdown. After the initial
community scoping of interest in July/August 2021, the organisation was officially
formed and Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed (CC&CMS) came into being
at the end of 2021. 
2.5  CC&CMS moved into the Brisbane Centre in October 2022. Since then, they
have been delivering a valuable service and successfully operating the facility in
the heart of the local community. Having ownership of facility will allow them to
further develop in a variety of ways to better serve their community. These
include:
• Opportunity to care for and enhance the facility in order to meet the
specific needs of the Men’s Shed - allowing the club and its members to
expand and grow
• Increase membership, thus widening their involvement with the local
community and deepening the impact of their work

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• Provide stability and a strong base from which to operate and deliver
events and activities to support the wider community 
2.6   CC&CMS have been successfully operating and caring for the asset since
October 2022 and have proven their ability in this regard. The asset is equipped
with the necessary tools and equipment for members to engage in the wide range
of activities they are interested in. A variety of health and safety features
accompany each piece of equipment.  In addition, through a generous donation
and community support, the group have had a new kitchen installed. 
2.7   Since opening in the Brisbane Centre, the membership has increased significantly
and more members are benefitting from attending the group. The members
participate in a number of local events (including Largs Viking Festival, local craft
fares etc.) where they sell the goods they have made and simultaneously raise
awareness of their organisation and the benefits of membership. 
2.8    During their regular opening times, CC&CMS use the outdoor space adjacent to
the Brisbane Centre to promote their work. Its location allows the public to
engage with the group and have the opportunity to find out more about the Shed
and to purchase goods.  CC&CMS are requesting the asset that they occupy in
order that they can carry on delivering a programme of improvements as they
build on delivering an increasing range of opportunities within the community. 
2.9 The CC&CMS have embraced the opportunity to deliver a Men’s Shed to the
local community in the North Coast and their work continues to benefit members
of all ages and abilities. The individual, personal testimonies of members clearly
demonstrate the breadth the depth of the benefits that its members experience
by attending. 
2.10 Having ownership, enhancing the asset and increasing the range of events and
activities within an improved facility will encourage a wider range of people to get
involved. This will support several strategic and policy areas relating to physical
activity as well as positive mental health and wellbeing.  Opportunities for local
volunteering will increase, stimulating involvement in shaping and regenerating
community life, building self-esteem and confidence. 
2.11  The ownership will have wider community benefit as the care and maintenance
of the asset will be carried out by local businesses, contributing to the local
economy and supporting the principles of Community Wealth Building. 
2.12 The property was valued in March 2023 by the Council’s Property Management
& Investment service and updated in 2024 as part of the CAT assessment
process. The Valuation Assessment details the combined value of the land and
building at £74,000. Given the significant community benefits and the anticipated
social return on the investment, the recommended discount on the property on
this occasion is 95%. This reflects the condition of the facility, the organisation’s
investment to date, savings made against future upkeep and the potential social
return on investment. The group have no issues with this valuation and are in a
position to fund the requested amount of £3,700.

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2.13  The statutory community consultation has taken place with no objections
received.
3. Proposals
3.1   That Cabinet:
(i) Agrees to the asset transfer of theBrisbane Centre from North Ayrshire
Council to Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s Shed (Scottish Charitable
Incorporated Organisation – SCIO)
(ii) Approves the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of
the property valuation of £74,000 (totalling £3,700); and
(iii) Approves that officers conclude the associated legal and community
asset transfer processes for the Brisbane Centre.
4.Implications/Socio-economic Duty
Financial
4.1   Through the transfer of the assets, the Council will achieve an overall capital
receipt of £3,700 and be relieved of ongoing care and maintenance costs.
Human Resources
4.2    None.
Legal
4.3 The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 places a statutory obligation on the
Council to obtain the best price or the best rent when it disposes of any asset by
sale or lease.  These regulations permit a disposal at less than the best price
achievable where either (a) the property is valued at less than £10,000, or (b) the
Council has compared the financial cost of transfer against the community
benefits and determined that the transfer is reasonable and promotes either
economic development or regeneration, health, social well-being or
environmental well-being.
Equality/Socio-economic
4.4 There will be considerable socio-economic benefits from the transfer and the
value proposed reflects the community benefits.
Environmental and Sustainability
4.5  The transfer seeks to provide sustainable community facilities through securing
the asset in Largs for the key purposes of Clyde Coast and Cumbraes Men’s
Shed as detailed in 2.3 above. 
4.6  The group are currently investigating options around alternative energy supplies,
in particular solar energy, and are seeking advice in relation to Planning

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Regulations on the listed building. Funding from the Community Asset Transfer
Start Up Fund is assisting the group with this work. 
4.7  Many of the items created at the Men’s Shed are made from wood and other
materials that are destined for landfill. Many items are also created via “up
cycling” or by creating something new from pieces salvaged from another item. 
Key Priorities
4.8 The proposals contained within the report support the following North Ayrshire
Council Plan priorities:
• Wellbeing – To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity,
wellbeing and resilience for local people, through providing opportunities
for people to come together to support each other.
• Communities and Local Democracy - We will have active inclusive
and resilient communities, through supporting networking and
community ownership.
• Climate Change – Achieving net zero by 2030, through environmental
and sustainability considerations outlined in 4.5 - 4.7 of this report.
Community Wealth Building
4.9 This proposal supports the following pillars of community wealth building:
• Advancing community enterprises;
• Advancing local ownership of underused land and buildings; and
• Supporting local business activities and increasing the variety of
ownership models.
5. Consultation
5.1 The consultation required in terms of the Community Empowerment (Scotland)
Act 2015 for a community asset transfer application has now concluded.  The
outcome is outlined in section 2.12 above. 
5.2 Consultation has taken place with, Streetscene, Finance, Estates, Property
Maintenance and Investment, and Legal Services. All services are supportive of
the proposal for the asset.
David W. Hammond
Executive Director (Communities and Housing)
For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service, Connected
Communities) 
Appendix 1 – plan

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"This map is reproduced from the OS map by North Ayrshire Council with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. 
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.  Licence Number :AC0000825715 "
Ü
1:1,250
0 10 205 Meters Date - 26/11/2024
LAURENCE CREE
Head of Service/Chief Officer
SUS, TPT & CORP PROPERTY
CUNNINGHAME HOUSE, IRVINE, KA12 8EE
TEL: (01294 22500 FAX (01294) 225044
THIS IS THE PLAN REFERRED TO IN THE FOREGOING DISPOSITION BY THE NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
IN FAVOUR OF CLYDE COAST & CUMBRAES MEN'S SHED, OF:
Brisbane Centre, Largs
Drawn: HRTitle: Brisbane Centre
30A Bath Street
Largs
KA30 8BL
Area within red
boundary - 153 m2
Appendix 1