Three Dumfries & Galloway buildings set for change
Two Community Asset Transfers have been given the go ahead, alongside one new lease
Last updated 24th Jun 2023
Several facilities in Dumfries & Galloway are set for change as two community asset transfers, as well as a new lease for another building, have been given the go ahead.
Carlingwark Outdoor Centre and the former primary school in Langholm will both become Community Asset Transfers, while a new leaseholder has been arranged for Loreburn Hall.
The decision came during a meeting of the Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee on the 20th of June.
Community Asset Transfers (CATs) allow community groups and organisations to take over a current or surplus Council asset/property, under the Community Empowerment Act, 2015.
The Council has a CAT Strategy in place and many communities have benefitted from utilising the CAT process since the strategy was introduced nearly six years ago. In total, the number of CATs across Dumfries and Galloway have reached around 60.
Carlingwark Outdoor Centre received the successful application from Castle Douglas Development Forum, while the former school in Langholm saw a strong case from The Langholm Alliance.
Separate to the Community Asset Transfers, the lease of the Loreburn Hall was discussed. The discussion follows a public consultation earlier this year, which sought the views of the public and stakeholders before a competitive bidding process took place for the iconic building in Newall Terrace in Dumfries.
Members debated the two options presented to them, The Drill Hall Initiative and The Electric Theatre Company, with members opting for The Drill Hall Initiative. The organisation will take lease of the building, subject to agreement on the terms and conditions.
Chair of the Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee, Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “For the last six years this Council has had a robust community asset transfer strategy process in place and today’s agreed reports are a real sign of how effective this strategy and the process is.
“The region-wide spread of assets is also a positive, as residents and community groups across Dumfries and Galloway will benefit in the short, medium and long-term.”
Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh commented: “I’m delighted the committee has agreed to progress these two transfers and the lease of the Loreburn Hall today.
“Our Council is committed to empowering communities and in agreeing these asset transfers, we are doing just that.
“The committee recognised the strong nature of the two business cases and we wish the community groups well over the upcoming months and years ahead.”