Four more council properties to be taken over by local groups
Falkirk Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme continues to gather momentum, with four more properties set to move into community hands following approval at the Executive today (Thursday 13 February 2025).
Laurieston Community Hall, Airth Community Hall, Bonnybridge Community Education Centre, and Greenpark Community Education Centre will now be managed by local groups, allowing them to operate and develop the facilities for the benefit of their communities.
Community empowerment
Since the launch of the Council’s Strategic Property Review in 2023, more than 40 Expressions of Interest and CAT applications have been submitted - compared to fewer than five transfers in the previous 26 years.
In the past three months alone, councillors have approved 11 asset transfers – including those agreed today - marking a significant shift in how local assets are managed.
Support package
As part of the transfers, groups will receive financial support through the Council’s Enablement Fund to help modernise the buildings, improve accessibility, and reduce running costs.
The properties have either been sold or leased for a nominal sum of £1.
- Laurieston Community Hall: To be transferred to Laurieston Community Hall at the Thrums SCIO via a 20-year lease, with up to £90,614 to upgrade the kitchen, bathrooms, heating and lighting.
- Airth Community Hall: To be transferred to Airth Community Hall SCIO via a 25-year lease. The group is due to receive up to £25,077 to install new windows, doors and radiators.
- Bonnybridge Community Education Centre: Transferred via ownership to Bonnybridge Community Hub SCIO, with up to £317,442 allocated to help pay for a new roof as well as new doors, windows and exterior lighting.
- Greenpark Community Education Centre: The centre will be transferred to Polmont Community Hub SCIO via ownership, with up to £150,000 to make the building more accessible. The funds will also be used to overhaul the heating system and install solar panels and battery storage to reduce utility bills and improve energy efficiency.
Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
Transferring these properties to community ownership is not just about keeping them open - it’s about giving local people the power to shape and sustain spaces that matter to them. It also delivers essential savings for the Council at a time of significant financial pressure.
“Crucially, asset transfers unlock funding that the Council cannot access, enabling community groups to invest in modernising facilities and making them more sustainable and energy efficient, with additional support from the Enablement Fund to help make these changes happen.