Issue date: 25 February 2025
West Sussex County Council is working with community and voluntary groups to help transform a small number of otherwise redundant public buildings into vibrant and thriving hubs for local residents to enjoy.
In the last couple of years, three surplus buildings have been handed over as part of a ‘community asset transfer’, and at least two more transfers are earmarked for completion this year. The buildings chosen typically have physical or legal constraints which lend themselves to community uses and have a history of community involvement.
Transforming these redundant buildings fits in with Our Council Plan in helping people and communities fulfil their potential.
A community asset transfer means suitable publicly owned land and/or buildings might be considered for community ownership or management under a lease, at less than the full market value, for the benefit of residents.
The community or voluntary group that takes over the running of the building becomes responsible for managing and maintaining the building including all associated costs.
Community asset transfers made by the county council since the end of 2023:
- 39 Youth Club, Bognor Regis The club aims to create a safe space for young people and a thriving hub for activity to support their needs. These include help with mental health issues, loneliness and how to eat healthily. The 39 Youth Club previously occupied part of the building for many years and the transfer provided an opportunity for the organisation to expand by taking on the whole asset. Since opening, the activities have expanded and over 100 young people visit the club three times a week. Find out more: 39 Youth Club
- The Phoenix Centre, Bognor Regis. The mission was to make the centre a great community asset by building on the strengths and voices of residents. To achieve this, the centre has been leased to United Learning Trust who are working with local voluntary and community organisations via consultation with local youth and community members, complementing other county council and partner services that operate in the area. Find out more: phoenixcentre.uk
- The Park Centre, Burgess Hill The Park Centre has a history of providing a community facility dating back over 150 years. The property was held by the county council under trust for the St Johns Institute Charity. In response to the offer, local community organisations and the Town Council formed a new Park Centre Burgess Hill Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to take over the property. The transfer was approved by the Charity Commission and the building is now set to become a vibrant hub providing local support for young people in Burgess Hill, working alongside other voluntary organisations and a local youth club. Find out more: Park Centre – Bringing people together, building a stronger tomorrow.
Cllr Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “Community asset transfers empower our communities to ensure suitable redundant public buildings are transformed into vibrant and useful assets for residents and fits with Our Council Plan priority of helping people and communities fulfil their potential.
“Whilst the number of suitable properties is by their nature small, we are pleased that the community asset transfers that we have completed so far are going from strength to strength, and I am hopeful the two that are scheduled to complete this year will be just as valuable to local residents.”
Two more community asset transfers are currently in progress, these are Guernsey Farmhouse and Garden in Middleton-on-Sea and West Grinstead Railway Carriage.
