Run a campaign to save a community asset
10am – 1pm
|
2
April
2025
Over recent decades, communities have campaigned to save local assets, from cultural venues to sports facilities to local parks. These campaigns can be triggered by the planned closure of a vital asset, as is the case when local authorities can no longer afford to manage publicly owned assets, and when private owners decide to change the use of a building, or leave it vacant to wait for its value to increase. In these situations, community groups do not only have to create a business plan and raise investment, they also have to challenge decisions about the proposed use and change of ownership of local assets.
In this workshop, we will examine how communities have used planning tools such as the Asset of Community Value legislation to protect a site's original use, and launched successful campaigns to exert pressure on private developers.
We offer sessions on a sliding scale. Please select the 'organisation' rate if you are funded by an organisation to attend this session.
- Overview of the planning powers available to communities, such as the Asset of Community Value legislation, and the latest information on the current government's plan to introduce 'right to buy' powers
- Examples of communities that successfully used these powers to secure local assets
- Guidance on organising effective public campaigns, including how to engage stakeholders, raise awareness, and influence decision-makers in both the public and private sectors
Participants will also get a free copy of the ABCs of the New Economy guide in the post.
- An understanding of the local planning powers available to assist your community in securing an asset
- Tools that have been used successful by campaigns to save community assets
- Practical advice on building partnerships and alliances to strengthen your campaign’s impact.
- Local groups interested in taking ownership or management of local assets
- Residents and activists who are passionate about preserving and developing local community spaces
- Local authority staff who support community asset transfers
Stir to Action's team will be facilitating the learning sessions, and will be joined by Kathy Hopkins of Save Birmingham, and Annoushka Deighton of the Architectural Heritage Fund and Friends of Stretford Public Hall.
Refunds
Refunds will only be made if a written refund request is received no less than four weeks before the session starts. Send your written request via email to workshops@stirtoaction.com. If you cancel your booking less than four weeks before the session starts, no refund will be made other than in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers. No refund will be made for non-attendance.
Cancellations
In the event we have to cancel the session before it starts, we will endeavour to inform all participants at least two weeks before the it is due to start, although please be aware that this is not always possible. In such an event, all session fees paid to date will be reimbursed in full. We are unable to reimburse any other costs that may be incurred (i.e. travel, accommodation).
In the event that we have to change session dates before the start of the session, participants may request a full refund if the new date is not convenient.
Should you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact the Stir to Action team via workshops@stirtoaction.com.
