copy enclosed - East Ayrshire Council

EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
CABINET – 18 FEBRUARY 2015
TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY - PROPERTY AND ESTATE RATIONALISATION
WORKSTREAM
RESPONSE TO EAST AYRSHIRE LEISURE TRUST SERVICE REVIEWS
Report by the Executive Director of Educational and Social Services and the Executive
Director of Finance and Corporate Support
PURPOSE OF REPORT
1. The purpose of this report is to:
a. provide Cabinet with a response and recommendations in relation to the paper
presented to Cabinet for consideration and noting by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust
regarding the re-design of the library service, sports & community service and
pitches & pavilions; and
b. to seek authority for a further community based solution; and
c. to seek authority for further asset transfer requests.
BACKGROUND
2.
The Property and Estate Rationalisation workstream, established as part of the
Council’s Transformation Strategy, aims to reduce the number of operational buildings
by 25%. The work undertaken by the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) team will
contribute to the overall Property and Estate Rationalisation workstream and the 25%
target.
3.
Following recommendations from the Leisure Trust on 10 September 2013, Cabinet at
its meeting on 25 September 2013 agreed:
4.
i.
To authorise officers to pursue asset transfer of those facilities listed in the
appendix report, with proposals being presented to Cabinet for approval; and
ii.
To pursue a separate review and asset transfer of pitch and pavilion provision
with proposals being presented to Cabinet for approval.
This list was amended by Cabinet on 18 June 2014, reducing the number of Trust
facilities for which asset transfer was to be sought to 81. The CAT team are also pursing
asset transfer of other non-Trust facilities and this will contribute to the wider 25% target
reduction. The table below shows the progress made against:
Table 1
List approved by Cabinet 18/6/14
ADD additional facilities *
LESS CATs approved by Cabinet
18/6/14, 13/9/14, 24/9/14 and
24/11/14
LESS Surplus as approved by Cabinet
LESS Community based solutions
approved by
Cabinet
Trust
facilities
81
4
3
Trust
baseline
81
85
82
Non-Trust
facilities
n/a
n/a
7
7
10
75
65
n/a
n/a
* Bellfield pitch only, Broomfield playingfields, Dean Park playingfields and Warwickhill Road pitch
5.
This paper provides Cabinet with a response and recommendations to the report
Cabinet has been asked to note by EALT. In the event that East Ayrshire Leisure Trust
no longer requires a facility as part of its Service Review and there is no CAT interest
then future determination will be required by Cabinet.
6.
Approved transfers are currently being finalised by our Legal Team. On 19 December
2014 the first CAT transfer of a Trust property was completed when Cumnock Area
Musical Production Society took over Barrhill Community Centre in Cumnock.
7.
The table below illustrates the progress of live applications for Trust and non-Trust
facilities and the attached Appendix 1 provides an up-date on the current position of the
Trust facilities:
Table 2
1st
stage applications
2nd stage applications
No interest
TOTAL
Trust facilities
5
40
20
65
Non-trust facilities
3
9
n/a
REDESIGN PROPOSALS FOR LIBRARY SERVICE BY EALT
8.
The paper presented to this Cabinet by EALT for consideration provides details of the
Trust’s reviews of its Library Service providing details of a full redesign which addresses
the shift from traditional ways of accessing books and attendance at libraries showing a
gradual decline over 3 years. To meet the future needs of our residents, the library
service will be delivered through a combination of buildings, mobile libraries,
housebound service, online service and community led bookpoints.
9.
The table below provides recommendation for facilities for which asset transfer was
initially approved but future consideration is now required:
Table 3
TOWN
Mauchline
Crosshouse
Darvel
Newmilns
Drongan
CURRENT
PROVISION
Part-time
provision
within
building
at
The Cross
EALT
PROPOSAL
Relocate
library within
Burns House
Museum.
Part-time
provision
within
Crosshouse
Area Centre
Retain
service within
existing EALT
budget and
utilise
as
distribution
base
for
Housebound
service.
Part-time
Retain
provision
service within
within Town existing EALT
Hall
budget.
Part-time
Consider coprovision at location of a
Craigview
part-time
Road.
library within
a refurbished
Morton Hall.
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Relocation of the
library
would
enable
the
community
based solution
interest in library
/ local office
building
to
proceed.
1. Trust to relocate
library service into
Museum subject to
necessary funding
for fit-out;
2. Work
with
community
to
develop
solution
within library / local
office building.
1. Trust
to
retain
property for library
service
within
existing budget;
2. Remove from CAT
list.
CAT
not
pursued due to
shared nature of
building
with
NHS.
Property
was
considered
unsuitable
for
CAT due to
shared nature of
building.
1. Trust
to
retain
property for library
service
within
existing budget;
2. Remove from CAT
list.
CAT
interest 1. Trust to relocate
received
for
library service into
whole
Morton Hall with
Craigview Road
requisite revenue
building.
budget.
Potential
to 2. Retain Craigview
explore
Road building on
community
CAT list.
management
options
for
Morton Hall.
Part-time
Consideration Relocation
1. Trust to provide
provision in to be given to within
new
part-time
library
standalone
relocation
community
service within new
building
at within
new space at school
community facilities
Mill of Shields community
campus.
at school campus
Road
facilities
at
with
requisite
school
revenue budget;
campus.
2. Existing library to
be declared surplus
to requirements.
TOWN
Bellfield
10.
CURRENT
PROVISION
Part-time
provision in
standalone
facility
at
Whatriggs
Road
EALT
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
PROPOSAL
Consideration 1. Facility
1. Trust
to
retain
to be given to
should
be
library
service
relocation
retained
at
within
existing
within
new
existing
building
until
school
/
location until
transfer to new
community
completion of
facility in school
facilities
school
campus
with
currently
requisite revenue
estimated to
budget;
be academic 2. Existing building to
year
be removed from
2016/17.
CAT list and when
2. No
CAT
vacant
to
be
interest
in
referred to Estates
standalone
Management
to
facility.
seek a commercial
let.
The future provision in other towns which currently receive a library service from a
building are as follows:
Table 4
TOWN
Dalmellington
Kilmaurs
CURRENT
PROVISION
Part-time
service
at
Townhead
EALT
PROPOSAL
Mobile
service
Part-time
Mobile
service
at service
Irvine Road
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
CAT transfer
approved
by
Cabinet
18/6/14
1. Trust retain until
CAT
transfer
complete;
2. Thereafter, explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point and promote
mobile service.
Potential
community
based solution
to relocate lets
from
community
centre
into
library building
1. Trust
to
retain
pending outcome of
community based
solution;
2. Thereafter, explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point and promote
mobile service.
TOWN
New
Cumnock
Dalrymple
CURRENT
PROVISION
Part-time
service at the
Castle
(closed
following
flooding and
current
mobile
provision)
Part-time
service
at
Barbieston
Road
EALT
PROPOSAL
Mobile
service
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Community
based solution
approved
by
Cabinet
18/6/14
1. Trust retain mobile
provision;
2. Thereafter,
promote
mobile
service and explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point.
Mobile
service
Community
based solution
approved
by
Cabinet
18/6/14
1. Trust to retain until
completion
of
school / community
facilities;
2. Thereafter,
promote
mobile
service and explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point.
Ochiltree
Part-time
Mobile
service
at service
Main Street
CAT interest
1. Trust retain until
CAT
interest
determined;
2. Thereafter,
promote
mobile
service and explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point.
Catrine
Part-time
service
Institute
Avenue
Mobile
at service
CAT interest
1. Trust retain until
CAT
interest
determined;
2. Thereafter,
promote
mobile
service and explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point.
Hurlford
Part-time
Mobile
service
at service
Blair Road
CAT interest
1. Trust retain until
CAT
interest
determined;
2. Thereafter,
promote
mobile
service and explore
opportunities
for
community
Book
Point.
TOWN
Muirkirk
CURRENT
PROVISION
Part-time
service
at
Burns
Avenue
EALT
PROPOSAL
Mobile
service
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
No
interest
1. Trust retain until
completion of new
school / community
facilities opened;
2. Thereafter, building
surplus
to
requirements.
CAT
REDESIGN PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY AND SPORTS FACILITIES BY EALT
(EXCLUDING PITCHES AND PAVILIONS)
11.
The paper presented to this Cabinet by EALT for consideration provides details of the
Trust’s reviews of Sports and Community Venues. The review examined the costs and
usage and individual facilities with an emphasis on providing future sports facility
provision at school sites.
12.
Linked to the Trust’s review of Sports and Community Venues, the table below sets out
the position for the 3 golf courses currently manages by the Trust:
Table 5
PROPERTY
CURRENT
EALT
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
PROVISION
PROPOSAL
Annanhill
EALT provide Trust retain but This is the only Trust to retain with
Golf Course golf service, require capital course which is requisite
revenue
clubhouse
investment
owned by EAC
budget.
leased
to and budget to
Annanhill
support
Golf Club.
administration.
Caprington
EALT provide No proposals Course leased Trust retain until CAT
Golf Course golf service, to retain.
by EAC from interest
determined
clubhouse
private landlord subject to appropriate
privately
until 28 May short-term
lease
owned
by
2015.
Club extensions as required.
Caprington
interested
in
Golf Club.
leasing
and
managing the
course
Patna Golf EALT provide No proposals Course leased Trust retain pending
Course (with golf service, to retain.
by EAC from outcome of community
Doon Valley part
of
private landlord /
club
interest
Golf Club)
clubhouse
until 28 May determined.
leased
to
2019.
Doon Valley
Discussions
Golf Club.
ongoing
with
Club
in
connection with
community
management
13.
The paper from the EALT considered by this Cabinet outlines facilities not on the original
list approved for asset transfer but which the Trust would wish to retain if funding was
available from the Council. These are as follows:
Table 6
PROPERTY
CURRENT
PROVISION
Morton Hall, Transferred
Newmilns
to EALT who
operate
as
community
facility
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Opportunity to
relocate library
into
building
and
explore
future
community
management
solutions linked
to CLAP.
Trust to retain with
relocated
library
service
and
with
requisite
revenue
budget.
Boswell
Centre,
Auchinleck
EALT
PROPOSAL
Trust retain but
require
investment and
relevant
budget.
Also wish to
relocate parttime
library
service into this
facility.
Transferred
Trust require
to
EALT. transfer of staff
Existing
and
relevant
community
budget
to
facility
retain
managed by community
Community
centre.
Association.
Whilst building
has transferred
to EALT, staff
are
currently
managed
by
Facilities
Management.
Discussions
are
required
with EALT and
Community
Association in
terms of future
management.
Trust to retain with
current
Council
revenue
budget
transferred.
Transferred
to
EALT.
Existing
community
facility
managed by
Community
Association
Whilst building
has
transferred to
EALT, staff
are currently
managed by
Facilities
Management.
Discussions
are
required
with EALT and
Community
Association in
terms of future
management.
Trust to retain with
current
Council
revenue
budget
transferred.
Galston
Community
Centre
Trust require
transfer of staff
and
relevant
budget
to
retain
community
centre.
PROPERTY
Patna
Community
Centre
CURRENT
PROVISION
Transferred
to
EALT
Existing
community
facility
managed by
Community
Association
EALT
PROPOSAL
Trust indicate
they would be
prepared
to
take
responsibility
for
management
of Community
Based
Solution.
Trust require
transfer of staff
and
relevant
budget
to
retain
community
centre.
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Part
of
community
based solution
currently being
developed.
Whilst building
has transferred
to EALT, staff
are
currently
managed
by
Facilities
Management.
Discussions
are
required
with EALT and
Community
Association in
terms of future
management.
Trust to retain with
current
Council
revenue
budget
transferred
pending
outcome of community
based solution.
School and Capital Investment Strategy
14.
The Council is committed to providing services from more modern, accessible and
efficient buildings and has recently announced capital investment of £395m to deliver a
range of ambitious and innovative projects.
15.
This programme provides opportunities to make these facilities the heart of the
community. As a result, consideration requires to be given to transitional arrangements
for the retention of the following facilities:
Table 7
CAPITAL
PROJECT
New Learning
Campus
kilmarnock
CURRENT
PROVISION
New
Farm
Loch CC EALT operate
as community
facility.
EALT
PROPOSAL
EALT
state
retain
until
March 2016
pending
relocation of
community
use in the
new facilities.
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Timescales
1. Trust
to
retain
linked
to
pending completion
completion of
of facilities within
capital
new school and
project.
relocation
of
community lets;
2. Thereafter
asset
transfers
to
be
sought for existing
building,
failing
which the property
will be surplus to
requirements.
PROPERTY
CURRENT
PROVISION
New Cumnock New
Community
Cumnock CC Project
EALT operate
as community
facility.
EALT
PROPOSAL
EALT
state
retain
until
March 2016
pending redevelopment
of Town Hall
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Timescales
1. Trust
to
retain
linked to repending completion
development
of new community
of Town Hall
facilities
and
by the Great
relocation
of
Steward
of
community lets;
Scotland’s
2. Thereafter
land
Dumfries
required
for
House Trust.
community based
solution.
Replacement
Muikirk
IFE Trust retain Not available 1. Trust
to
retain
schools
- wing - Existing pending
for CAT as
existing
facility
Muirkirk
community
consideration required for
pending
Primary
facility
of
most new school /
commencement of
managed
by appropriate
community
new
school
/
Community
management facilities.
community facilities;
Association
arrangement
2. Relocate lets into
and
Day Centre during
replacement
construction period;
facility
3. Thereafter
return
provision.
lets into new school
/
community
facilities.
Replacement
Muirkirk
No proposals
schools
- Games Hall - to retain.
Muirkirk
Operated
by
Primary
EALT
Original CAT 1. Trust
to
retain
interest
existing
facilities
withdrawn.
pending completion
of new school /
community facilities
and
explore
potential
for
relocation of sports
usage.
2. Thereafter building
surplus
to
requirements.
Replacement
Muirkirk Day No proposals
schools
- Centre
- to retain.
Muirkirk
Operated
by
Primary
EALT
Original CAT
interest
withdrawn.
Opportunity
to explore use
for
transitional
arrangements
linked to new
school
/
community
facilities.
1. Trust
to
retain
existing
facilities
pending completion
of new school /
community facilities
and
explore
relocation groups in
school.
2. Thereafter building
surplus
to
requirements.
CAPITAL
CURRENT
PROJECT
PROVISION
Replacement
Bellsbank IFE
schools
– wing
Bellsbank
Operated
by
Primary
EALT
EALT
COMMENTS RECOMMENDATION
PROPOSAL
No proposals Not available 1. Trust
to
retain
to retain
for CAT as
pending
required for
development of new
new school /
school / community
community
facilities;
facilities.
2. Thereafter relocate
lets into new school
/
community
facilities.
Merger
Kirkstyle
Bellfield
Primary
Schools
of Bellfield CC - No proposals CAT interest
/ Operated
by to retain
received but
EALT
demolition
proposed to
facilitate the
development
of the new
school
/
community
facilities.
CAT team to
liaise
with
CAT
applicants
accordingly.
Dalrymple
Dalrymple
No proposals Cabinet
Primary
campus
to retain
approved
reconfiguration incorporating
Community
Community
based
Centre,
Day
solution
Centre
and
18/6/14 New
Youth Centre facilities to be
Operated
by
available for
EALT
academic
year 2016/17
1. Trust
to
retain
pending
development of new
school / community
facilities;
2. Thereafter relocate
community lets into
new facilities;
3. Demolish facility to
facilitate
capital
project.
1. Trust
to
retain
existing community
facilities
pending
completion of new
facilities
within
school campus and
relocation of usage;
2. Thereafter site to
transfer to Housing
Revenue Account.
Future consideration required
16.
The table below highlights facilities for which either no interest is progressing or the
asset is deemed unsuitable for transfer. These properties require future consideration
and recommendations are as follows:
Table 8
PROPERTY
CURRENT
PROVISION
Browns
EALT operate
Road cabin, as community
Newmilns
facility.
EALT
COMMENTS
PROPOSAL
No proposals Whilst
CAT
to retain
interest received
the property was
deemed
unsuitable
for
CAT due to high
cost of works
required which
would make it
unsustainable
for a community
asset transfer.
RECOMMENDATION
The property should be
declared surplus and
in the first instance a
disposal
to
be
negotiated
with
interested community
group otherwise to be
marketed due to being
held on common good.
Failing which, authority
should be sought for
demolition.
Existing group
been relocated.
Kilmaurs CC
Mauchline
CC
Opportunity to
negotiate sale
with Community
group.
Operated by No proposals Property
was Trust
retain
until
Community
to retain
deemed
Community
based
Association
unsuitable
for solution determined.
CAT due to high
cost of works
required.
Potential
community
based solution
to relocate lets
from community
centre to Library
building.
Operated by No proposals Property
was 1. Trust retain until
Community
to retain
deemed
Community based
Association
unsuitable
for
solution
CAT due to high
determined;
cost of works 2. Thereafter building
required.
surplus
to
requirements
for
Potential
demolition and hold
community
cleared site for
based solution
potential
future
to relocate lets
SHIP development.
into
library
building
(See 27 below)
PROPERTY
CURRENT
PROVISION
Mauchline
CC
Mauchline
Games Hall
EALT
PROPOSAL
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Wider
site
identified
in
current SHIP.
Operated by No proposals Potential
long
EALT
to retain
term community
based solution
being developed
at Beechgrove
Park site
(See 28 below)
Wider
site
identified
in
current SHIP.
Trust to retain with
requisite
revenue
budget for 3 year
period
to
allow
community
based
solution
to
be
developed as outlined
at 29 below.
Witch Road EALT operate No proposals Original
CAT The property should be
cabin,
as community to retain
interest
declared surplus and
Kilmarnock
facility.
withdrawn.
users relocated.
Regularly used
by
3
organisations
approx. 18 hours
per week and for
one off meetings
Opportunity to
relocate existing
users.
REVIEW PROPOSALS FOR PITCH AND PAVILION PROVISION BY EALT
17.
The paper presented to this Cabinet by EALT for consideration provides details of the
Trust’s reviews of Sports and Community Venues. The review examined the costs and
usage and individual facilities with an emphasis on providing future sports facility
provision at school sites and maximising the synthetic grass pitch facilities.
18.
It should be noted that EALT proposes to retain only one such facility being the Scott
Ellis playingfield pitches and pavilion. The table below highlights facilities which are not
required by the Trust and have no active CAT interest and, therefore, future
determination is required by Cabinet. These are as follows:
Table 9
PROPERTY
Kay Park Pitch
Pavilion, Ochiltree
PROPERTY
COMMENTS
and Original CAT interest did
not progress.
18 lets in season 13/14.
2 teams registered to play
in season 14/15.
COMMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Trust to retain with
requisite revenue budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Netherthird
Pitch
Pavilion, Cumnock
and Original CAT interest did
not progress.
Whilst 26 lets season
13/14, there is no longer
team registered to play
here. There have been
only 3 lets in season 14/15
and no usage since
October.
Remove
from
Trust
management
arrangement and retain
building by EAC with
requisite revenue budget
to accommodate CCTV.
Explore future interest in
usage
with
local
community.
The
pavilion
houses
CCTV equipment and
retention
is
recommended.
Victory Park Pitch
Pavilion, Muirkirk
and Original CAT interest did Declare
surplus
to
not progress.
facilitate demolition and
No usage and no team reinstatement of site.
registered to play season
13/14 and 14/15.
Morton Park Pitch and Original CAT interest did Declare
surplus
to
Pavilion, Kilmaurs
not progress.
facilitate demolition and
5 lets in season 13/14. No reinstatement of site.
usage or team registered
to play season 14/15.
New Farm Loch Pitch and Original CAT interest did Declare
surplus
for
Pavilion, Kilmarnock
not progress.
marketing, failing which
No usage and no team demolish.
registered to play.
Riccarton
Pitch
Pavilion, Kilmarnock
19.
and No CAT interest received. Trust to retain with
Well used with 45 lets in requisite revenue budget.
season 13/14.
4 teams registered to play
season 14/15.
It should be noted that where a pavilion is being demolished that the existing pitches will
continue to be maintained by Outdoor Amenities as public open space and as such will
be available for use by the public.
COMMUNITY BASED SOLUTIONS
20.
On 18 June 2014 Cabinet approved community based solution in three settlements
being New Cumnock, Dalrymple and Drongan. Work is underway on progressing these
solutions which include the consolidation of facilities at Dalrymple and Drongan into
school accommodation and, the development of community facilities by the Great
Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust. Thereafter the existing facilities will be
disposed of.
21.
Further flexible community based solutions are emerging, some of which are within the
context of Community Led Action Plans. Whilst there will be overall savings in terms of
a reduction in the numbers of facilities in specific communities, discussions are leading
to the consolidation of some services into one building. The resultant solutions may be
suitable for management either via asset transfer, by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust or,
where related to a school, by the Council’s Facilities Management Team.
22.
A detailed project has now been developed at Mauchline and other projects are in
development in Patna, Kilmaurs and Rankinston. Details of the solution developed for
Mauchline is as follows:
MAUCHLINE
Current Provision
23.
The games hall, community centre, library and pitch and pavilion were all on the list
approved by Cabinet for asset transfer.
24.
An independent building survey obtained for the community centre highlighted that costs
of £569,478 are required to the property and this equates to £1,249 per sq.m. This
property is therefore deemed to be unsustainable to pass to a community group for asset
transfer.
25.
The remaining properties were advertised on the CAT website and expressions of
interest were received for all. Subsequently however, the application for the Games Hall
has been withdrawn.
26.
Discussions and engagement about sustainable future facilities and solutions have
taken place with the local community. They have produced a Community Led Action
Plan (CLAP) which sets out the community’s aspirations for their village. This has led
to an application being received for the library / local office building including the
community association who wish to relocate lets from the community centre to the library
building.
Proposed provision
27.
In terms of community facilities, in order to relocate the lets from the community centre
in the library / local office accommodation, significant re-configuration is required. The
CAT applicants have been involved in the design of the proposed new facility to ensure
the maximisation of the transfer of lets from the community centre. Investment is now
required to enable this to proceed and once complete the existing community centre
would be surplus to requirements.
28.
An asset transfer request has been received for Beechgrove Park pitch and pavilion
from the local CLAP steering group. Initially they wish to create a nature trail and skate
park. Longer term they wish to undertake further significant re-development including
the development of a games hall, new football facilities etc.
29.
In terms of sporting provision whilst the asset transfer for the Games Hall has been
withdrawn, this property is very well utilised with in excess of 25,000 visitors last year.
The net cost of operation to EALT is £45,840 per annum and it is recommended that
EALT continue to operate for a further 3 year period beyond 31st March 2016 to enable
the community group to investigate if the long term development at Beechgrove Park is
feasible.
Financial position
30.
It is proposed that the costs associated with the relocation of the Community Facilities
into the library / local office accommodation, estimated at £0.355m be funded from the
Transformation Strategy capital fund. These costs represent value for money when
considered in relation to the revenue savings associated with the closure of the existing
community centre, library and pavilion which are currently estimated at approximately
£0.058m per annum, including staff, energy and running costs. The reconfigured
property would then be asset transferred to the community group following completion
of a successful detailed application which would be presented to Cabinet in due course.
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR ASSET TRANSFERS
31.
The Community Asset Transfer Group have considered the following detailed
applications and now recommend to Cabinet approval of the following proposed asset
transfers:
Table 10
Property
Group
Proposal
TRUST FACILITIES
Crookedholm
Sport Karate Group wish to lease to use
Community
Sakai
the property to offer Martial
Centre
Arts training. They have
agreed with the existing
Community Association to
provide
them
with
a
minimum of 10 hours per
week use free of charge to
enable them to continue to
arrange community lets.
Transfer terms
Proposed lease terms
have been agreed at a
rental of £1,100 per
annum subject to the
reservation of 10 hours
per week use free of
charge for the existing
Community Association.
Dean
Park Dean Thistle Group wish to lease to Proposed lease terms
pitches
and FC
provide a safe environment have been agreed at a
pavilion,
for children and youths to rental of £250 per
Kilmarnock
take part in football activities annum.
and to try to involve as many
people in the community as
possible.
Property
Group
Proposal
Jamieson Park Irvine Valley Group wish to lease to
pitch
and Community
continue Sunday services,
pavilion,
Church
Children’s club and to
Newmilns
support local football clubs.
They also wish to expand
the services provided to the
local community to include
coffee mornings, mother and
toddlers, exercise classes,
adult
life-skills,
drop-in
centre for the needy and
vulnerable and as a venue
for
community
and
association meetings.
NON-TRUST FACILITIES
Land
at Bonnyton
Group wish to develop a
Townholm,
Thistle FC
full size floodlit 3G pitch with
Kilmarnock
changing facilities. It will also
enable the club to engage
the
local
and
wider
community in its activities. It
is expected that this project
will
attract
significant
external funding.
Transfer terms
Proposed lease terms
have been agreed at a
rental of £500 per
annum.
Proposed lease terms
have been agreed at a
rental of £80 per annum
subject to the group
demonstrating that they
have
securing
the
necessary funding.
PROGRESS AGAINST BASELINE
32.
If all the recommendations within this report are approved by Cabinet then the baseline
of 65 properties would reduce as follows:
Table 11
Trust
facilities
Baseline
ADD additional facilities *
LESS proposed CATs
LESS proposed Community based
solutions / Capital project
developments
/
declared
surplus
LESS remove from CAT list
Baseline
1
3
12
65
66
63
51
Non
Trust
facilities
n/a
n/a
1
n/a
6
45
n/a
*New Farm Loch CC
33.
It is anticipated that all current CAT interest for Trust properties and associated
community based solutions will be processed by 31st March 2016.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
34.
35
The financial implications arising from this report affect the anticipated savings from the
Energy Efficiency and Property and Estate Rationalisation workstreams and also
extends the period over which the savings from these and the Alternative Delivery Model
workstream will be achieved. The rephasing of anticipated asset transfers noted at
tables 3 – 10 of and the retention of assets by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust (EALT) will
mean savings are delayed which will have an impact on the Council’s General Fund
Uncommitted Balance.
Impact on Workstreams
The impact on the phasing of the workstreams included in the Transformation Strategy
approved by Council in December 2014 is shown in the following tables:
Property and Estate Rationalisation Workstream - Table 12
2014/15 2015/16 2016/17
Existing
Proposed
£m
0.280
0.280
£m
0.920
0.583
After
2016/17
£m
£m
1.046
1.231
0.0.128
Total
£m
2.246
2.222
Energy Efficiency Workstream – Table 13
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17
Existing
Proposed
36
£m
0.600
0.600
£m
0.500
0.500
£m
0.500
0.316
After
2016/17
£m
£m
0.600
0.667
0.052
Total
£m
2.200
2.135
As a result of the adjustments to the above workstreams £0.089m will no longer be
achieved and consequently this will impact on the Council’s General Find Uncommitted
Balance in the years noted above.
Cost to the Council of EALT Retaining Assets
37
The overall estimated additional revenue costs to the Council in terms of the Payment
to the Trust arising from the retention of facilities outlined in this report is shown below:
Table 14
Location
Annanhill Golf Course
Morton Hall/Newmilns Library
Boswell Centre
Patna Community Centre
Galston Community Centre
Drongan Library
Bellfield Library
Mauchline Library
Total Trust Budget
Less Community Centre Budgets Transferring
Net additional Cost to the Council
Transformation
Annual
Fund
Revenue Costs
£m
£m
0.000
0.051
0.030
0.035
0.000
0.074
0.000
0.021
0.000
0.029
0.000
0.016
0.000
0.024
0.030
0.000
0.060
0.250
0.000
(0.082)
0.060
0.168
38
The recurring additional cost of £0.257m is likely to be mitigated by savings in other
areas including energy and fuel costs and savings generated by future teacher refresh
programmes referred to elsewhere in this agenda.
39.
Capital investment of £0.355m is required from the Transformation Strategy Capital
Fund in connection with the investment in respect of the Mauchline CAT. A further oneoff investment is required from the Transformation Fund of £0.030m for the proposed
fit-out of Burns House Museum to accommodate the library. In addition £0.030m is
required to accommodate the library in the Morton Hall Newmilns.
40.
The demolition costs associated with the buildings to be declared surplus as highlighted
in Tables and 8 and 9 will be funded from the Surplus Property Account in the usual
manner.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
41.
All applications which are recommended for transfer have been assessed against the
statutory criteria specified in the Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland)
Regulations 2010 as, in order to be eligible for transfer, the proposal must contribute to
one of the purposes set out at paragraph 4 (2) of the Regulations being (a) economic
development or regeneration (b) health (c) social well-being or (d) environmental wellbeing.
42.
It is considered that the proposed transfers contribute as follows:
Table 15
Property
Group
TRUST FACILITIES
Crookedholm
Sports
Community
Karate
Centre
Sakai
Contribution
to Comments
Disposal of Land
Regulations
(b) health and The provision of structured
wellbeing
programmes and the active
(c)social wellbeing promotion
of
positive
approaches to diet and
exercise,
health
and
wellbeing will be improved.
Dean
Park Dean Thistle (b)health
and The club will provide sporting
pitches
and FC
wellbeing
activities, namely football
pavilion,
(c)social wellbeing which will have a positive
Kilmarnock
impact
on
participants’
health.
The structured
teamwork opportunities will
improve social wellbeing.
Jamieson Park Irvine Valley (b) health and The creation of a facility that
pitch
and Community wellbeing
brings together members of
pavilion,
Church
the community sharing a
Nemwilns
(c)social wellbeing common interest and faith
belief will have a positive
impact on health and social
wellbeing.
NON-TRUST FACILITIES
Land
at Bonnyton
(b)health
and The facility will allow more of
Townholm,
Thistle FC
wellbeing
the community to actively
Kilmarnock
participate in sport through
regular training sessions and
holiday programmes, thus
improving
health
and
wellbeing.
43.
The Solicitor to the Council will include any other conditions which may be deemed
necessary to protect the interests of the Council in respect of each of the identified
leases within this report.
44.
It should be noted that as the Browns Road cabin, Newmilns is held on the Council’s
common good account as inalienable common good land, Court authority will require to
be sought for any proposed disposal failing which, authority should be sought for
demolition.
45.
The Solicitor to the Council shall also terminate the management arrangements or eases
with EALT as appropriate and, any formal management arrangements with Community
Associations as required in connection with the recommendations within this report.
POLICY / COMMUNITY PLANNING IMPLICATIONS
46.
The proposed asset transfer is in accordance with the Council’s Community Asset
Transfer Policy as approved by Cabinet at the meeting on 24 October 2012 and will
contribute to the achievement of new Community Planning priorities.
47.
In accordance with the Council’s Transformation Strategy, the development of this work
is essential in enabling the Council to transform its relationship with communities thus
strengthening and enabling our local people to work with us to deliver sustainable
services and jointly respond to challenges in the future. This in turn will lead to an
increase and widening of scope of asset based programmes which will result in a further
reduction in resources over time.
HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS
48.
If a property is transferred to a voluntary or community organisation, there will be
implications for employees of both the Leisure Trust and East Ayrshire Council. A
canvass of employees for interest in voluntary severance has been carried out and a
number of employees have indicated that they would be interested in opting for
voluntary severance.
49.
Work has been carried out on reconciling those employees who have expressed an
interest in voluntary severance against the likely future services and related premises
and this exercise will continue throughout the asset transfer process. The enhanced
redundancy scheme has subsequently been extended to run in parallel with CAT
programme until March 2016. In addition the Council’s redeployment policy will assist
in reducing employee numbers in line with the reduced property portfolio.
50.
Discussions have taken place with the Trade Unions in respect of the overall canvass
for voluntary severance and the Council and Leisure Trust remain committed to continue
to engage with employees within the reconfigured service.
RISK IMPLICATIONS
51.
Managing Risks in Asset Transfer, a guide (Department for Communities and Local
Government, June 2008) includes common risks identified by the Quirk Review (“Making
Assets Work - The Quirk Review of community management and ownership of public
assets”). Cognisance has been taken in respect of each of the risks identified whilst
developing our transparent application and assessment process in order to mitigate any
risk to the Council.
52.
In order to ensure that the application and assessment process is robust and transparent
a multi-disciplinary group has been established and Internal Audit has assisted in the
formulation and review of the application and assessment process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
53.
Cabinet are asked to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
Note progress made on delivering sustainable community asset transfers;
Approve the recommendations for future library provision as outlined in
table 3 and 4 above;
Approve the recommendations for future sport and community facility
provision as outlined in tables 5, 6, 7 and 8 above;
Approve the recommendations for future pitch and pavilion provision as
outlined in table 9 above;
Approve the asset transfers detailed at table 10 above;
Approve the proposed investment for Mauchline outlined at 39 above
subject to a successful detailed application being received from the
community group in respect of the library building;
Approve the proposed investment for Morton Hall, Newmilns outlined at
39 above above;
Approve the additional grant to EALT in respect of the retention of
properties by the Trust as noted at Table 14 and section 38;
Approve the rephasing of savings identified at tables 3 – 10;
Note the impact on the General Fund Uncommitted balance as noted at
section 38;
(xi)
Otherwise note the contents of this report.
Alex McPhee
Executive Director of Finance
and Corporate Support
Graham Short
Executive Director of Educational and
Social Services
BACKGROUND PAPERS
1. Report to Cabinet on Property and Estate Rationalisation Proposals dated 25 Sept
2013
2. Report to Cabinet on Property and Estate Rationalisation Proposals dated 18 June
2014
For further information on the content of this report contact: Katie Kelly, Strategic Manager –
Vibrant Communities on 01563 578120 or Angela Graham, Senior Estates Surveyor on 01563
503475
Implementation officer: Katie Kelly, Strategic Manager – Vibrant Communities
Libraries
Property
Property Position
Stage
Muirkirk Library
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Bellfield Library
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
CAT Interest Withdrawn. Possible Community Solution
within replacement school - Muirkirk Primary
No CAT interest. Retain pending completion of merger
of Kirkstyle/Bellfield Primary School
Crosshouse Library
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
No CAT Interest. Trust to retain
Darvel Library
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Ochiltree Library
CAT Interest
Catrine Library
CAT Interest
Stage 2 application received
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting
group to develop stage 2
Hurlford Library
CAT Interest
Kilmaurs Library
CAT Interest
Mauchline Library
CAT Interest
Newmilns Library
CAT Interest
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting
group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting
group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting
group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting
group to develop stage 2
Interested Party/is
Comments
No CAT Interest. Trust to retain
Ochiltree Community Facility Steering
Group
Further information required prior to assessment
The Catrine Trust wish transfer date to link to hydro
Catrine Community Trust
scheme
Applicant has applied for two facilities (Library and
Hurlford and Crookedholm Playgroup Housing Office). Housing Office is preferred site
Seeking Community Based Solution / investment prior
Kilmaurs Community Association
to CAT transfer.
Seeking Community Based Solution / investment prior
Mauchline Users Group
to CAT transfer.
Newmilns Regeneration Group
Group associated with CLAP working towards stage 2
Sport & Community Facilities
Property
Property Position
Stage
Interested Party/is
Bellsbank IFE Wing
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Browns Road Cabin, Newmilns
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Crookedholm Community Centre
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Sports Karate Sakai
Kilmaurs Community Centre
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Kilmaurs Community
Association
Mauchline Community Centre
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Mauchline Games Hall
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Muirkirk Games Hall
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Muirkirk Day Centre
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Witch Road Cabin, Kilmarnock
Future determination required
Cabinet 18/02/15
Dalmellington Community Centre
CAT Interest
Stage 2 received.
Dalmellington Community
Association
Doon Valley Museum
CAT Interest
Stage 2 received.
Lotties Vintage Tearoom
Hurlford Community Centre
CAT Interest
Stage 2 received.
Hurlford Community
Association
Ochiltree Community Centre
CAT Interest
Bonnyton Community Centre
CAT Interest
Caprington Golf Club
CAT Interest
Stage 2 received.
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
Comments
Retain pending completion of replacement
school - Bellsbank Primary.
No CAT interest. Community group
interested in purchase - explore negotiated
disposal
Ochiltree Community Facility
Steering Group
Bonnyton Community
Association
Caprington Golf Club
Recommendation to Cabinet 18/02/15
Seeking community based solution for
Library building. Community Association
wish to retain land for future community
project.
No CAT interest in Community Centre
which is in poor condition. CAT team
working with Mauchline Community
Centre users. Seeking Community Based
Solution at library building.
CAT Interest Withdrawn. Long term
community based solution being
developed
CAT interest withdrawn. Community
solution within replacement school Muirkirk Primary.
CAT interest withdrawn. Community
solution within replacement school Muirkirk Primary.
CAT Interest Withdrawn.
CAT team continuing to support
Community Association. Additional
information required.
CAT team continuing to support group to
successful detailed assessment.
CAT team continuing to support
Community Association. Additional
information required.
CAT team continuing to support
community group. Additional information
required
Working with Community Association to
progress stage 2 application
Seeking short-term Management Solution
prior to full CAT transfer
Sport & Community Facilities
Catrine Community Centre
CAT Interest
Catrine Games Hall
CAT Interest
Crosshouse Community Centre
CAT Interest
Gatehead Community Centre
CAT Interest
Gavin Hamilton Sports Centre, Darvel
Hareshaw and Waterside Community
Centre
CAT Interest
Logan Day Centre
CAT Interest
Netherthird Community Centre
CAT Interest
Rankinston Community Centre
CAT Interest
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
Riccarton Community Centre
CAT Interest
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting group to develop stage 2
Bellfield Community Centre
CAT Interest
Onthank Community Centre
CAT Interest
Patna Day Centre
Community Based Solution
Patna Games Hall
Community Based Solution
John Fulton Hall, Fenwick
Future determination required
CAT Interest
Stage 1 - on hold
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities
supporting groups
Catrine Trust wish to link transfer date
with hydro scheme
Catrine Trust wish to link transfer date to
Catrine Community Trust
hydro scheme
Crosshouse Community
Seeking community based Management
Association & Crosshouse
Solution
Crosshouse Action Now &
Two competing applicants . Working
Light and Life Church
towards stage 2 application
Working with community group to
Darvel Community Group
progress stage 2 application
Hareshaw and Waterside
Community Council wish to purchase the
Community Council
building. Working towards stage 2
Working with Community Association to
Logan Community Association progress stage 2 application
Netherthird Initiative for
Working with community group to
Community Empowerment.
progress stage 2 application
Rankinston Community
Community based solution being
Association
investigated.
Kilmarnock Amateur
Weightlifting Group &
Awaiting further structural information Riccarton Community
applicants awaiting outcome before
Association
determining if they wish to proceed.
Linked to merger of Kirkstyle/Bellfield
3 applicants
Primary School
Seeking community based management
4 applicants
solution
CAT interest withdrawn. Part of
community based solution.
Catrine Community Trust
Part of community based solution
CAT Interest Withdrawn 10/02/15. Future
consideration required.
Pitch&Pavilions
Property
Property Position
Stage
Interested Party/Parties
Comments
Dean Park Pitch and Pavilion
CAT Interest
Cabinet 18/02/15
Dean Thistle FC
Recommendation to Cabinet
Jamieson Park Pitch and Pavilion, Newmilns
Cabinet 18/02/15
Irvine Valley Community Church
Recommendation to Cabinet
Victory Park Pitch and Pavilion, Muirkirk
CAT Interest
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Warwickhill Road Pitch, Kilmarnock
CAT Interest
Bonnyton Thistle FC
Barrmill Pitch and Pavilion, Galston
CAT Interest
Galston United FC
Working with football club to progress stage 2
Beechgrove Pitch and Pavilion, Mauchline
CAT Interest
CAT Interest
Mauchline Steering Group
Stewarton United and Stewarton
Annick
Part of community based solution
Cocklebie Pitch and Pavilion, Stewarton
Crookedholm Pitch and Pavilion
CAT Interest
Stage 2 Received
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
No CAT Interest. No team registered to play. Recommendation to
Cabinet
CAT team continuing to support football club. Additional information
requested.
Crookedholm Amateurs
Group require additional support to progress detailed application.
Dunlop Pitch and Pavilion
CAT Interest
Dunlop Community Council and
Dunlop Cycle Club
Fenwick Pitch and Pavilion
CAT Interest
Fenwick Community Group
Local groups working together to investigate appropriate use of
facility supported by the CAT Team.
Local group progressing stage 2 application to develop site for new
facility
Greenhead Pitch and Pavilion, New Cumnock
CAT Interest
Glenafton Youth Academy
Working with football club to progress stage 2
Knockentiber Pitch and Pavilion
CAT Interest
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
Knockentiber Amateurs
Working with football club to progress stage 2
Newlands Drive Pitch and Pavilion, Kilmarnock
CAT Interest
CAT Team/Vibrant Communities supporting group to
develop stage 2
Craigie Amateurs
Football club require additional support to take application to stage 2
assessment.
Riverside Pitch and Pavilion, Catrine
CAT Interest
Stage 1
Western Road Pitch and Pavilion, Galston
CAT Interest
Stage 1
Merlin Park Pitch and Pavilion, Auchinleck
CAT Interest
Future determination
required
Future determination
required
Stage 1
Kay Park Pitch and Pavilion, Ochiltree
Morton Park Pitch and Pavilion, Kilmaurs
Netherthird Pitch and Pavilion
New Farm Loch Pitch and Pavilion
Riccarton Pitch and Pavilion
Richardson Park Pitch and Pavilion, Hurlford
Dalrymple Pitch and Pavilion
Bellfield Pitch
CAT Interest
Broomfield Playingfields, Cumnock
CAT Interest
Cabinet 18/02/15
CAT interest withdrawn. Recommendation to Cabinet
Cabinet 18/02/15
No Interest. No team registered. Recommendation to Cabinet
CAT Interest Withdrawn. No team registered to play.
Recommendation to Cabinet
CAT Interest Withdrawn. No team registered to play.
Recommendation to Cabinet
Cabinet 18/02/15
Cabinet 18/02/15
No CAT Interest - well used. Recommendation to Cabinet
Cabinet 18/02/15
Cabinet 18/02/15
Two football clubs working together towards stage 2 application
Original application withdrawn. New application received
Issues with pitch drainage which may result in application being
withdrawn
Original CAT interest withdrawn. New application received (not
football club) 28/01/15
Group require additional support to progress detailed application.
Group require additional support to progress detailed application.
Linked to merger of Kirkstyle/Bellfield Primary School
Linked to new Cumnock area school development
Bellfield Youth FC
Visions and Cumnock Rugby Club
Linked to merger of Kirkstyle/Bellfield Primary School
Linked to new Cumnock area school development