Local people will be urged to take more control over disused council buildings if they can show they can do a better job, as part of the Government's plans to devolve more power from Whitehall to local people. Building on the recommendations in last year's 'Quirk Review', 18 new pilots have been announced to help local residents take over council buildings, with practical help to develop proposals to do so. Those in the South West region are:
South Gloucestershire Council
Local farm turns into an education and community centre - local Farm in Kingswood - situated on the north fringe of Bristol, the proposal is for use as an inner city farm for education and community purposes.
Sedgemoor District Council
Council plan to hand over Town Hall and 19th century concert hall to a voluntary organisation to run arts, media and music facilities - the proposal is to develop and transfer the Town Hall office complex with the attached 19th century Concert Hall. The complex of buildings is in a deteriorated condition although the Concert Hall forms a central focus for community activities. The project is recognised within Somerset County Council's Cultural Strategy and the wider South West Regional Development Agency sphere. The proposal is to transfer the asset to the Engine Room (a third sector charity) and it might house, for example, disability services, amateur operatics, children's theatre groups, or flower shows.
Torbay Council
Community centre into the hands of voluntary group - Paignton Day Centre has been managed by a voluntary group for 6 years. The centre provides services for older people which, due to the demographics of Torbay (having a higher than average number of residents aged over 50), is a valuable service.
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