Transferring Local Authority Assets to the Community
All over the country, community-based organisations are taking on responsibility for managing buildings that were formerly owned by local authorities. By doing so, they can help to focus the energies of local communities and prevent these assets, which are often local landmarks, from falling into decay or inappropriate use.
Community ownership can help to secure a local service or amenity (such as a community hall or a public open space), at a time when local authorities are looking to make economies.
Local authorities can sell an asset at less than full market value where this would support a use that brings social, economic or environmental benefits for the area.
Of course, such transfers are not without their challenges. Community groups may need support and advice to help them make a success of their project, and to ensure that it remains viable through changing circumstances.
Heritage asset transfer guidance
In 2015 we published our updated guidance on heritage asset transfer, Pillars of the Community: The Transfer of Local Authority Heritage Assets. This document outlines the process for asset transfers, both from a local authority and community perspective.
It is accompanied by a number of case studies showing what can be achieved.
In October 2023 we hosted the Community Ownership: Your Place Your Space webinar where Historic England and representatives from the community sector discussed the challenges and opportunities of undertaking community asset transfer. You can access a free recording of the webinar.
If you have any questions about the guidance or the case studies (including any suggestions for additional examples) please contact Owain Lloyd-James.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery
An example of an open space in Bristol, South West which has transferred to community ownership.
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Battersea Arts Centre
An example of a former town hall / theatre and events venue in London which has transferred to community ownership.
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Bramley Baths
An example of a public baths in Leeds, Yorkshire which has transferred to community ownership.
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The Brunel Museum
An example of an industrial civic building in London which has transferred to community ownership.
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Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre
An example of a community building in Lincolnshire, East Midlands which has transferred to community ownership.
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Hastings Pier
An example of a Victorian pier in Hastings, West Sussex which has transferred to community ownership.
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Heart Headingley
An example of a school in Leeds, Yorkshire which has transferred to community ownership.
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Jesmond Library
An example of a library in Newcastle upon Tyne which has transferred to community ownership.
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Keighley Central Hall
An example of a place of worship in Keighley, West Yorkshire which has transferred to community ownership.
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Lister Drive Library
An example of a Library in Liverpool which has transferred to community ownership.
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Lye and Wollescote Cemetery Chapels
An example of a chapel in Stourbridge, West Midlands which has transferred to community ownership.
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Sandford Parks Lido
An example of a Lido in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire which has transferred to community ownership.
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Stanley Halls
An example of an theatre and public hall in London which has transferred to community ownership.
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Turners Lodge
An example of a former public toilets in Cheshire, North West which has transferred to community ownership.
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Wells Maltings
An example of a maltings building in Norfolk, East of England which has transferred to community ownership.
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Westgate Hall
An example of a former drill hall in Canterbury, South East which has transferred to community ownership.
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Hebden Bridge Town Hall
An example of a town hall in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire which has transferred to community ownership.
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The Railway Arms, Saffron Walden
Website of a community-owned free house pub.
Owain Lloyd James
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Email
[email protected]
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