Council assets transfer to community ownership
Five local community groups have been successful in their applications to assume responsibility for the running of local facilities.
Under the terms of East Ayrshire Council’s Community Asset Transfer Framework, local groups can apply to take over the responsibility and maintenance of venues and facilities which the Council has deemed surplus to requirements.
To date, 73 community asset transfers have been approved across East Ayrshire, with a further five gaining Councillor approval at this week’s Cabinet meeting.
The successful applicants include:
- Dalmellington Parish Development Trust - awarded a ten-year lease of Dalmellington Pavillion, with provision to allow Craigmark Juniors continued use.
- Stewarton Annick Football Club - awarded a ten-year lease of Cocklebie pitch and pavilion
- Sports Karate Sakai - opportunity to purchase Crookedholm Community Centre and Pavilion. The group has leased the property since 2016 and is now looking to invest in the facility.
- Fenwick Community Initiatives - awarded a ten-year lease of the John Fulton Hall, with an initial three-year rent-free period.
- Newmilns Regeneration Trust - opportunity to purchase Newmilns Town House and associated land in order to refurbish the property to encourage tourism to the areas, with plans for a local museum and heritage walk, including development of related app.
Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, Transport and Communities said:
“Our Community Asset Transfer framework gives local groups and communities unique opportunities to get involved in running facilities and delivering services for local people, empowering them to help themselves and create a sustainable future.
“Since October 2017, we have awarded 78 transfers to local groups - preserving facilities and services that can help generate local jobs, income and re-investment opportunities.
“Successful asset transfers give power back to communities, strengthen social cohesion and provide a circular local economy and these outcomes align with the Community Wealth Building focus on shared prosperity and inclusive growth.
“I look forward to hearing how each of these progress in the months ahead.”
Ayrshire 360 assumed responsibility for supporting community groups through the application process in April 2025, with East Ayrshire Council retaining responsibility for approval and administrative elements of the process.
Requests for Community Asset Transfer - Requests for Community Asset Transfer.pdf