Council leader: Number of ‘exciting projects underway to bring assets back into use’

Sean Morgan is the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, and a Labour councillor representing the Nelson ward.

It’s great to see the community step forward and help secure a bright new future for various buildings and assets across the county borough.

Caerphilly Council is encouraging local groups and organisations to work with us as we consider alternative uses for buildings and land through a process called ‘Community Asset Transfer’ (CAT).  

There are already a number of exciting CAT projects underway to bring assets back into use – recent examples include a former Meals on Wheels building being turned into a gym in Rhymney and only last week we agreed to transfer the Tredegar Park toilet block in Risca and land at Dan Y Graig for community use.

Additionally, some sports clubs are also seeking to carry out CATs on playing fields and pavilions. 

We are also seeking to secure a new future for a number of our smaller library buildings across the area, as we transition to delivering a new Library vision. This will see our focus switch to delivering enhanced library hubs in our key town centres.

We have already had a number of expressions of interest in our library buildings, so many in fact that we have recently agreed to extend the deadline for bids. 

We’ve made the process of applying for a Community Asset Transfer even easier than before. Below are the key steps from start to finish:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• EOI appraisal and recommendations 
• Business Plan submitted (If required)
• Appraisal of Business Plan 
• Terms agreed and transfer

Details of available properties and sites can be found on the CCBC website: www.caerphilly.gov.uk (search ‘community asset transfer’).

If you would like an informal discussion regarding a particular asset, please contact CATenquiries@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 866218.

Please come forward to find out more about the range of sites and opportunities that are available. This is your chance to help secure the future of key assets for the benefit of the whole community.