Bo'ness Closure FAQ
What engagement and notice will be provided to users with a let?
The notice period provided will be dependent upon the date agreed for building closure. Let users will be engaged with as early as possible and updated regarding options available. Given the condition of some buildings, in the event of any property failure, properties may need to close with short notice.
What date will the buildings within the SPR close?
Closure dates will be confirmed for individual venues on a case-by-case venue and communicated with customers as early as possible.
What will happen to local groups who use properties that are closing?
The Council is working with local groups to identify other venues to accommodate their activities. We are looking to increase use of our learning estate for community use, however we acknowledge that local groups may also wish to identify other premises in the area that are suitable for them.
Who do I contact about my Health and Fitness Membership?
If you have any queries or wish to cancel your Health and Fitness membership please email our membership team on fitness@falkirk.gov.uk
Who do I contact about my Swim Unlimited Membership?
If you have any queries or wish to cancel your Swim Unlimited membership please contact the venue which you purchased your Swim Unlimited membership from. You can see our swimming venues and get their contact information here.
Community Asset Transfer (CAT)
How do I express an interest in Community Asset Transfer or get further information?
Further information can be found on the Council’s website here.
What options do community groups have, in terms of how they take a building over?
There are three options:
· Community Asset transfer - This would be outright ownership of the property
· Community benefit leases:
- Long-term lease
- Short lease
The fact remains that our core aim with the short lease is that the community group will take over the facility in the long term. All lease arrangements will transfer full repair and insurance.
What does the Community Asset Transfer and the handover process look like?
The Council and CVS is committed to working with communities to develop business cases and build capacity to ensure the appropriate support is available to enable full asset transfer applications can progress through the statutory process and then hopefully transfer a building. Aftercare support will also be available to ensure the transfer is sustainable.
What condition will Council transfer the property?
Properties will be wind, watertight and statutory compliant following formal agreement of acquisition as part of the CAT process.
How much funding is available to support Community Asset Transfer?
A dedicated £3 million fund is available to support community-led groups interested in asset transfer to help improve buildings. This fund could be used to fund energy efficiency improvements and other necessary works, to support sustainable business cases that enable asset transfer. Community Empowerment Grants are also available to support groups with the costs associated with progressing CAT applications (i.e professional fees). Information on these are available here.
How long does it take to complete an asset transfer?
Applications can be made anytime for any Council Property, for those identified in the SPR in Phase 2 there are various deadlines for applications, and these should be checked against the SPR report for property specifics. From the date the formal application for asset transfer is received by the Council we have up to six months to issue a decision. We expect to make decisions quicker than this and then the asset transfer group has up to six months to make a formal offer to purchase and conclude missives. We expect given the level of support available for CAT application, determination and transfer process to take 12-14 months from commencements.
