Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet is set to make decisions regarding the future of six vacant properties, including a Victorian chapel, in an upcoming meeting. A report is suggesting that these Council-owned properties be handed over to charities and community organizations operating within the city. If approved, these empty properties will become part of Liverpool’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) program, allowing qualifying groups to take control of the buildings and implement various community-based projects.
The six recommended premises for phase two of the CAT program include Anfield Cemetery Chapel, Garston Urban Village Hall, Knotty Ash Community Centre, Joseph Gibbons Day Centre in Sefton Park, St Brendan’s Church/Shrine in Old Swan, and the Former Lodge Lane Library. Launched in 2022, Liverpool’s CAT program focuses on exchanging ‘social value’ for monetary value to offset the cost of Council-owned assets. This initiative allows voluntary and community organizations, social enterprises, and non-profits to apply for ownership of these properties on either a short-term or long-term basis, with the condition that they provide significant social, community, or environmental benefits to Liverpool residents.
Phase one of the program already offered various premises to interested groups, including land on Mulgrave Street, Rosebery Street, Adlam Park Sports Pavilion, and Speke Adventure Playground Centre, with ongoing discussions to determine new uses for these sites. All premises selected are strategically located to ensure a diverse range of land and properties across the North and South of Liverpool. If the Cabinet approves, advertisements for CAT Phase Two properties will be released in April through the council website. Councillor Nick Small from Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy expressed enthusiasm for the Community Asset Transfer program, noting the significant interest from community groups and the positive impact these initiatives have on local neighborhoods. The program aims to support essential work within the community while repurposing unused buildings to benefit those in need
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
