ORGANISATIONS are being invited to put forward their proposals to take over and run a key Middlesbrough community and leisure site.
Middlesbrough Council is looking for proposals for the popular Hemlington Recreation Centre and associated buildings.
However interested groups are reminded that the closing date for initial expressions of interest is noon on Friday, December 4.
The proposed transfer covers the Hemlington Recreation Centre, Depot and Hemlington Hall farm building.
Potential organisations are also reminded the site – adjacent to Hemlington Lake and 39 acres of open green space – has considerable potential for outdoor recreation and watersports.
Expressions of interest are sought from both from large organisations for the management of the buildings and from small community groups and partnerships with an interest in running individual parts of the site such as the farm house building.
While the lake, amenity areas and the football pitches will continue to be maintained by the Council’s parks service, these facilities offer considerable scope for enhanced community use.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “For the last few years we have been transforming the way we operate and the way we deliver services to ensure we make the best possible use of the resources available to use.
“While some assets have simply been sold off as part of our capital programme, others have been transferred for community use, and a number of these are already finding their feet and proving hugely successful.
“Hemlington Recreation Centre is in a great setting, with enormous potential for the right proposal which will ensure it remains a vital asset for the local community and the wider town for many years to come.
“I look forward to seeing the ideas that are put forward – we’ve already had interest and shown potential users around, but I’m sure there are other groups with other exciting ideas for this important site.”
At this stage we expect to receive expressions of interest – details on no more than two sides of A4. This should include a brief outline of the proposal, including potential funding streams and community benefits.
Successful expressions of interest that are taken to the next stage will require detailed business cases.
Submissions should also include details of the bidder’s organisational structure, track record and community engagement opportunities.
For more information or to arrange a site visit, contact Strategic Asset Management Officer Gamini Wijesinghe on 01642 728410 or email gamini_wijesinghe@middlesbrough.gov.uk
