In another community asset transfer, Dumfries and Galloway Council is proposing to hand over a piece of common good land on Glasgow Road to Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club.
The club currently leases the site, which is on the periphery of the town centre and is surrounded by Lockerbie Academy, the bowling club, ice rink, and the Old School.
Talks have been ongoing between council officers and Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club about a potential hand-over of the land calculated at 11,500 square metres and valued at £46,000.
A proposed transfer of ownership for £1 would mean that the club, a registered charity, could be self-sufficient and offer all-year-round inclusive sporting and recreational facilities at a low cost to the community.
A report on the matter is due to be tabled at Lockerbie and Lochmaben Common Good Sub Committee next week.
It reads: “Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club considers that a discount of £45,999 is proportionate given that the organisation is demonstrating social value up to or beyond the value of the asking price.
“The club wish to be more self-sustainable with their costs. The final aim is to be completely self-sustaining and not reliant on funding or grants in the future.
“Lockerbie Academy and the squash club have a well-established relationship, with the club providing free use of the facility as part of the school curriculum which has developed over the past 45 years.
“Lockerbie Primary School have also intimated their wish for the pupils to use the facility. The club arranges and hosts a school competition annually to encourage the sport to all Dumfries and Galloway schools and pupils.”
The council report states that a social value measurement of the proposed activities has been carried out and has forecast a “significant positive return in investment” if the club’s future plans came to fruition.
It was also highlighted that no other expressions of interest have been made for this piece of land, and that the community asset transfer would bring economic development and regeneration, along with improvements to public health, social wellbeing, and environmental wellbeing.
However, the report added: “Our council will no longer have title to the Common Good land being requested, no longer have a potential annual rental income and no capital receipt will be received.”
A decision will be made by councillors next Tuesday.
