Brinkburn CIO faces demolition as South Tyneside Council acts on unresolved community asset arrangements

Brinkburn CIO is set to be demolished as South Tyneside Council takes action on number of long-running community asset transfer arrangements that remain unresolved.

The decision to close and demolish the building, on Harton Lane, as part of a wider redevelopment of the site comes as the local authority brings “unsustainable arrangements to an end”.

The other buildings being brought back under Council control include the Clegwell and All Saints Community Associations.

Responsibility for Clegwell is set to transfer to Hebburn Comprehensive School and South Tyneside Council has stated that it is working to identify an alternative operator for All Saints.

Reasons for taking back assets

South Tyneside Council has taken the decisions due to incurring significant costs associated with maintaining and supporting buildings despite the original intention that organisations would operate them independently.

Around 10 years ago, the local authority began work to transfer the management of some community association buildings to local charitable and community organisations.

South Tyneside Council has stated that while some leases have completed and arrangements have worked well, other organisations have not completed lease arrangements, have not demonstrated sustainable business plans, or have been unable to meet the requirements needed to manage public buildings responsibly.

As a result, South Tyneside Council has worked with organisations over a number of years to resolve the outstanding issues, including setting deadlines in 2025, which have now passed.

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‘Duty to protect public money and protect Council assets’

Cllr Susan Sybenga, Lead Member for Finance and Resources, has stated that there has been “ample time and opportunities” to resolve the outstanding issues but South Tyneside Council has to take decisions to protect public money and assets.

She said: “We have reached the point where unresolved arrangements cannot be allowed to drift any longer.

“Community buildings are important, but they cannot operate without proper governance, clear responsibilities and sustainable finances.

“These buildings are public assets, and the Council has a clear responsibility to make sure they are managed properly, safely and sustainably.

“We have been incredibly patient and there has been ample time and opportunities for these issues to be resolved, but public assets cannot be left in uncertain or unsustainable arrangements indefinitely.

“This is about responsible stewardship of Council property and public money. It is also about being fair.

“Fair to taxpayers, fair to other organisations that have put proper arrangements in place, and fair to the communities who need clarity about the future of these buildings.

“Where organisations are unable to demonstrate proper governance, a viable operating model, completed lease arrangements or the ability to meet running costs, we cannot simply allow that position to continue.

“Where groups are affected, we will work with them to understand their needs and help identify alternative venues wherever possible, and we encourage groups to get in touch with us direct to work through their individual requirements.

“This is not a decision we take lightly, but we do have to be decisive.

“We have a duty to protect public money and protect Council assets.”

Council to help service users

South Tyneside Council will work with the community association users and organisations to understand the impact and help identify alternative accommodation where required.

The local authority wants to hear from community groups who use the Brinkburn, Clegwell or All Saints Community Associations to understand their activities, requirements, support or alternative accommodation they may need.

Groups are encouraged to complete a short form at: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/communitygroups and they can also use the form to request direct contact from a Council officer.