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  • "Mr Cooper doesn’t mention/welcome the £500k that would come with the asset (from the WFDC taxpayer), or indeed that fact that WFDC inherited with building with a mortgage, and yet hands it back without one (paid off by the WFDC tax payer).

    The building has been maintained over the last 40 years (else it wouldn’t be water tight, able to be lit or heated). What it hasn’t been is modernised and WFDC has always had over pressing capital priorities. An asset transfer will mean the building can be retained for use and modernised. Those involved in the project (cross party group and volunteers) have done an excellent job getting it this far, and I hope we can get the project over the finish line.

    Maybe Mr Cooper will translate his love for the Civic Centre into getting involved with the project? All volunteers welcome!"
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Stourport town councillors to consider Civic Centre take over

4:41pm Monday 14th May 2012 in Stourport Photograph of the Author By William Tomaney

STOURPORT Town Council could take over ownership and management of the town’s Civic Centre.

An “in-principle” agreement by councillors was given to the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday last week. It means the town council will look into the move and a “feasibility study” will be carried out on its behalf.

The cross-party Stourport Facilities Project Steering Group has faced “major challenges”, including securing funding, while working to transfer ownership of the centre to community use when Wyre Forest District Council moves out later this year.

The original proposal was for a holding body to manage the building on behalf of the community. Plans for the town council to take over were put forward to “try to overcome” the problems.

Independent Community and Health Concern councillor Jim Parish said it was a big step.

“We will thoroughly examine this proposal and seek professional advice as to whether this is a viable way forward.”

The steering group is seeking interest from local businesses, community groups and public sector bodies who may be interested in developing the centre’s lower ground floor.

Conservative councillor John Holden, chairman of the steering group, said: “This new development could lead to the ownership and creation of a community hub by the town council, on behalf of the people of Stourport, to preserve our hall and provide a hub for future generations.”

The Civic group, which plans to manage the civic hall and theatre, will continue to hold events at the facility including hosting live bands, extending the hire and use of the hall to the community and developing a youth theatre group.

Anyone interested in developing the ground floor should contact Liz Sheerin, Stourport Forward, by Wednesday, May 22, on 01299 822827.

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