The future of Bramley Community Centre looks set to be secured next week when local charity Bramley Elderly Action is confirmed as the new owners.
Leeds City’s Council’s decision-making executive board will next Wednesday make the final decision on whether to transfer ownership of the centre, which is surplus to council requirements, over to BEA, which supports older people.
The lease, if agreed, will be for a 25-year period and in return BEA will pay a peppercorn rent.
The centre is used regularly by a number of local community organisations including Bramley Elderly Action, Bramley Luncheon Club and Bramley Historical Society. The centre will continue to be open to residents of all ages.
A report to councillors concludes:
“Bramley Elderly Action proposes to take over Bramley Community Centre and run it for the benefit of the local community.
“The centre currently runs at a financial deficit to the council and transferring the centre will result in a saving of the running costs. Consultation has strongly supported BEA having an increased role in the running of the centre.”
Maintenance, running and insurance costs at the centre will transfer to BEA.
In 2012 BEA took over the former Bramley Lawn Day Centre on Stanningley Road and run it as a social centre for all sections of the community. It is used throughout the week for both BEA-run activities and hired by other community organisations.
The community centre transfer is part of a wider review which could see the current Bramley housing office transfer to Bramley Library to create a community hub similar to the models already in operation in Armley and Pudsey.
A consultation in November showed strong support for BEA running the facility.
The executive board report can be read here. The meeting starts at 1pm at Leeds Civic Hall next Wednesday.