Torbay Council will soon be inviting proposals from Community Partners to bring Parkfield back into use for the benefit of Torbay residents.
The Parkfield Project Board are seeking to offer Parkfield House and the surrounding grounds to the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector on a long-lease basis.
The decision comes after Cabinet were asked to approve recommendations which will now open the way for community groups and organisations to put forward their ideas for taking over the site.
Under the plans that would see the Council support, rather than control the site, the aim is to promote joint working and empower local community organisations.
Collaborative proposals that deliver positive outcomes for Torbay residents of all ages, particularly children and young people, are encouraged.
Proposals need to demonstrate a community-led, outcomes-focused approach, which is sustainable, both financially and environmentally.
Parkfield House is a Grade II listed building which, accompanied by mature woodland, gardens and a purpose-built BMX track and skate park, offers many potential opportunities. The site is currently registered as an ‘Asset of Community Value’.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “By offering the site to the community, we are safeguarding its future against commercial development, and hope to see it flourish for the benefit of local people. This unique opportunity helps to ensure Parkfield remains a community asset, that is managed by the community, for the community.”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council said; “As a Council we are committed to working in partnership with our communities. We know our community partners possess a vast range of skills, experience, and knowledge as well as creative and innovative ideas. It’s qualities such as these that often make them best placed to manage community facilities in their local area.”
As part of the process an Open Day will be held in early summer for groups intending to submit proposals. Full details on the application process, including the date for the Open Day will be made available in the next few weeks.
Further information on what the Council are doing to work more closely with the community to ensure that Torbay thrives can be found via: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/building-stronger-communities/
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