Decision details

Murray Hall Community Trust (MHCT) was a well established anchor organisation, with a presence in Sandwell since 1994. They were locally-led and deeply rooted in the community. They had strong partnerships with the council and with other voluntary and community groups and had taken a community development approach to all aspects of their work (responding to service users views, enabling people to do more for themselves). They had already demonstrated their ability to attract capital funding and manage complex refurbishment projects in the initial phases of transformation of the building.

The proposed asset transfer accorded with the principles set out in the strategy where Strategic Assets & Land would proactively lead discussions with community groups about the possibility of undertaking Community Asset Transfers. Transfers would be undertaken in accordance with the Council’s policy on Community Asset Transfers. They would only happen if officers were satisfied that a clear sustainable plan was in place to maintain the asset and that further calls on the Council for support were unlikely.

Agreed:-

1.1    That approval be given to the asset transfer of The Bridge, Tipton, to Murray Hall Community Trust on the basis of a full repairing lease for 99 years with a rental of £1 pa for the purpose of a multi purpose community facility and office space.

1.2    That the Director Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer be authorised to enter into or execute under seal if necessary, a formal lease for The Bridge Tipton.