RESIDENT CONSULTATION OUTCOMES
Community Asset Transfers – Resident Consultation Outcomes
As part of its engagement around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the Town Council undertook a resident consultation to understand public views on the potential transfer of key community assets.
The consultation received 185 responses and provides a qualitative and indicative quantitative evidence base to help inform Council decision-making .
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Borough Hall (Q1 & Q2)
A clear and overwhelming majority supports the Town Council exploring options for the Borough Hall, including use of reserves for feasibility work.
Residents consistently identify the Borough Hall as:
- A key heritage asset
- A central community facility
- Essential to the town’s cultural identity
There is strong support for:
- Retention in community/public ownership
- Expansion of use as a cultural and performance venue
Holloway Hill Recreation Ground (Q3)
Again, strong majority support for the Town Council investigating transfer.
The site is viewed as:
- A vital green space
- Important for health, wellbeing, and sport
- A facility that should be protected from development
Other Assets (Q4)
Support for investigating transfer of:
- Phillips Memorial Park (notably high support)
- Crownpits Recreation Ground
- Broadwater Park
- Combe Road Recreation Ground
Additional suggestions include:
- Green spaces and woodlands
- Car parks
- Community buildings
KEY THEMES ARISING
The following consistent themes emerge across responses:
Strong Support for Local Control
Residents favour:
- Decision-making at Town Council level
- Greater local accountability
- Retention of assets within the town
Protection of Community Assets
There is clear concern regarding:
- Potential disposal for housing
- Loss of community use
- Reduced maintenance under a larger authority
- Borough Hall – Clear Vision
Residents broadly agree the Borough Hall should:
- Remain a multi-purpose community venue
- Develop as an arts, culture, and performance hub
- Increase utilisation rather than fundamentally change use
Financial Awareness (and Caution)
While there is willingness to support investment:
- Residents expect prudence and transparency
There is concern regarding:
- Use of reserves
- Ongoing revenue costs
- Affordability of hire charges
DETAILED RESPONSES
Detailed consultation responses, along with GTC’s comments, can be viewed here.
