Birmingham City Council is giving a community interest company (CIC) the opportunity to take over a popular leisure centre in Stockland Green.
Action Indoor Sports Birmingham CIC has bid for a 25 year lease and their proposals to take over the running of Stockland Green Leisure Centre will be discussed by Cabinet members on Monday, 19 May.
Last year, due to severe financial pressures – the council is set to lose £822m, the equivalent to two-thirds of its controllable budget, between 2010 and 2018 – this facility was made available for a Community Asset Transfer, and third sector groups were asked to submit expressions of interest to lease the leisure centre.
Action Indoor Sports Birmingham’s plans to invest significantly in the centre’s facilities will provide a wide range of clubs and services, with a view to increasing local participation in sports and activities.
Their proposals include expanding the cricket, football and netball pitches and improving the gym, plus a new ‘dodgeball’ court and soft play area for younger children. Their bid will also create around 25 jobs, with existing staff encouraged to transfer over to the CIC.
Alongside this, the bid also pledges to strengthen the centre’s existing alliance with Stockland Green Academy, which it shares the site with.
Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Action Indoor Sports Birmingham’s proposal to offer activities and invest in facilities would be a real boost to this community.
“While no-one wants to see the council stop delivering services directly, the financial pressures mean the council has to find new ways to make sure residents can access the services they need.
“The benefits of Community Asset Transfers are that as well as enabling some services to continue, it gives local people – who often have a greater understanding of what’s best for their community – a chance to take charge and make a difference.”
Birmingham City Council is committed to using council assets to form long-term partnerships within suitable third sector organisations and will pursue all suitable opportunities.
ENDS
Media contact: For more information, contact Emma Brady, Press and PR Officer, on 0121 303 6969 or email emma.brady@birmingham.gov.uk
Note to editors: In 2014/15 Erdington District, which covers Stockland Green, is tasked with making savings of £569,000.