Appeal for groups to take over running of Peterborough community centres

The community centres will need to be run as a social enterprises, which means each needs to generate enough profit from hire fees and events to meet day-to-day running costs and on-going repairs and maintenance.

The centres available to be taken over are:

. Hodgson Community Centre in Werrington

. Southfields Community Centre in Stanground

. Walton Community Centre

. Thistle Drive Community Centre in Stanground.

Volunteers are needed as the council is progressing a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme which will see up to 42 community facilities across the city transfer to independent community management.

Cllr Irene Walsh, cabinet member for communities, said: “Nationally over 500 community centres have been closed by councils since 2010. However, we want to give organisations the chance to take over the full running of these important community hubs and keep them open.”

Anyone interested in becoming part of a team at a community centre should email [email protected]. They will be required to complete a simple application form and will then be provided with an information pack about the centre. Once sufficient applications are received a successful applicant will be selected and notified.

Further information about the Community Asset Transfer programme and queries around the application and bid process is available via the council’s website at www.peterborough.gov.uk/CATbid.