A POPULAR open space and leisure venue is to be offered for takeover from Middlesbrough Council.
The proposed transfer would see Hemlington Recreation Centre and associated buildings run by community groups and outside organisations.
The move is part of the programme of savings required to meet the ongoing cuts to Middlesbrough Council’s budgets.
Some buildings have been sold and others demolished to make way for development, but where possible the Council has sought to help community groups take over and run a number of venues.
Expressions of interest are now being sought from organisations interested in taking over the Recreation Centre, adjacent land including playground, allotments, the depot and Hemlington Hall Farmhouse building.
The Recreation Centre, Hemlington Hall Farm, allotments and play area have a current value on the Council’s asset register of £866,000.
Larger community organisations are expected to submit proposals for the management of the buildings while small community groups and partnerships are being invited to consider taking over elements of the site such as the allotment plots and farmhouse building.
The Council’s parks service will continue to manage and maintain the lake, open areas and football pitches, although these facilities will continue to form part of the overall site.
Those submitting expressions of interest will be expected to demonstrate community support and the appropriate resources, knowledge and expertise to sustain their proposal in the long term.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “The cuts to our budgets have presented us with some difficult choices, but also the opportunity to do things differently.
“Facilities like Hemlington Lake and Recreation Centre haven’t been used to their full potential for some time, so the time is right for a complete re-think.
“The right proposal can unlock that potential and help to create the kind of resource that will stand the local community in good stead for many years to come.
“I’m keen to see the sort of innovative proposals that will help local people make the most of the leisure, sport and well-being opportunities on their doorstep.”
A report on the proposed Community Asset Transfer of Hemlington Recreation Centre will be considered at the next meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive on Tuesday, August 11.
Subject to Executive approval, a further report will be considered in due course summarising the proposals put forward and recommending a preferred option.