Community Asset Transfer

Whilst City Property Glasgow (Investments) LLP (CPGI) is not currently in scope of Community Empowerment* legislation, it is recognised that there are certain types of buildings and land within the CPGI portfolio that may potentially be suitable for Community Asset Transfer. In view of this, CPGI has developed a voluntary framework in respect of Community Asset Transfer.

CPGI welcomes the opportunity to work with local communities where there is an expression of interest in asset transfer and we have produced guidance for organisations who may want to know more about purchasing or leasing a building or land owned by CPGI, under the principles of Community Asset Transfer.

* Community Empowerment legislation governs the transfer of land or buildings to the community. Information on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk

Who can apply?

Community, voluntary or religious organisations who require the asset purely for community activity. You require to be:

• Properly constituted with strong and open governance arrangements
• In a position to hold property
• Able to demonstrate/ evidence that you can manage the asset efficiently, including finances, health and safety and other operational issues
• Non-profit making and exist for community/ social/ environmental/ economic benefit
• Open to and demonstrate an inclusive approach to members of the wider community

Who cannot apply?

• Individuals
• Organisations that operate solely for commercial, political or religious activities

Examples of properties

Examples of the types of properties owned by CPGI that could be considered for transfer are Community Centres, Community Halls, Residents Halls, Tenants Halls, Vacant Land.

Properties which are a core part of CPGI’s commercial portfolio will not be considered.

Asset Value

CPGI will seek full market value for all assets and in the case of an outright purchase will provide you with an asking price (subject to negotiation) if the property is deemed suitable for asset transfer.

First steps

Assessment of Property or Land in Question

CPGI must first establish if the property/ land in question is suitable for asset transfer.  This is done by evaluating the asset against criteria which is used to determine whether it is a core part of CPGI’s commercial portfolio.  We will inform you if the property/ land in question is not one that CPGI would be prepared to dispose of under Community Asset Transfer.  A long lease may be considered if outright sale is not an option.

If the asset is deemed suitable and the application is to be progressed, you will be asked to complete and return submission forms together with your Business Plan and supporting documentation.

Assessment of Organisation

The Business Plan will be assessed before progressing with the application.  During the assessment period, CPGI may enter into a dialogue with your organisation to seek clarification or additional information/ evidence in support of your aspirations to acquire the asset.

If the Business Plan is deemed sufficient, then the application will proceed to the decision making process. The decision making process and governance relating to Community Asset Transfer is the responsibility of the CPGI Community Working Group.

Further information about the process can be found on our Guide To Community Asset Transfer

What to do if you are interested

If you are interested in Asset Transfer of property or land owned by CPGI, please make a request in writing confirming the address of the property in question.  If the interest relates to a parcel of land, please provide a brief description of the location and plan if possible.

community@citypropertyglasgow.co.uk

If you do not have a property in mind and would like us to confirm if CPGI owns any assets that meet your requirements and that we would consider for asset transfer, please complete a Premises Search Form in the first instance.

Please note that we can only advise on properties owned by CPGI. Community Asset Transfer enquiries about Council owned properties should be made directly to Glasgow City Council. 

Further information and details on the Community Asset Transfer process can be found in our document: Guide To Community Asset Transfer. A copy of this document can also be found on our publications page.