Land handed to Golcar and Denby Dale communities after ‘exciting proposals’
Kirklees Council has agreed to hand over two assets to local community groups after “exciting proposals” were brought forward.
In Golcar, Longfield Avenue Recreation Ground has been transferred to the Golcar United Community Playing Fields Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Elsewhere, land at the rear of Denby Dale Library has been handed over to the Denby Dale Community Project Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
The Community Asset Transfers of both areas will be by a 125-year lease agreement under the council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy. Cabinet gave their seal of approval this week with the transfers to be finalised by senior officers.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, Cllr John Hardie, said: “We want local people and communities to have greater control over local assets and the services delivered from them. These organisations put forward exciting proposals that will build on and create new opportunities for their respective areas.
“Transferring an asset to a community organisation can unlock community enterprise, encourage volunteering, and allow these organisations to attract potential investments to create thriving community hubs.”
As part of the ongoing review of assets and operational services by the council, the land at Denby Dale Library was declared surplus to requirements in November 2023.
The Denby Dale Community Project, which also runs the library, intends to repurpose the building and create a space that can be used to benefit nature, the community and users of the adjoining library. It will be managed and maintained by volunteers, and redeveloped to include natural habitats such as nest boxes, pollinator-friendly flowers, trees, a small wildflower meadow and seating areas.
Longfield Avenue Recreation Ground is currently home to sports facilities which have been developed in partnership with Golcar United Football Club, and a wider area of land used for public recreation. It is a well-used community facility that already hosts a range of activities, services and events.
Further investment is planned within the next 18 months to redevelop the children’s play area, improve the public playing pitches, create a community garden and exercise track and expand indoor facilities to accommodate a wider community offer.