Decision

The Cabinet has decided to approve the in-principle asset transfer of the Unity Centre to Northstowe Town Council.

Analysis

outcome: Cabinet has approved the in-principle asset transfer of the Unity Centre to Northstowe Town Council and endorsed further discussions to progress their proposal.

summary: The decision involves the transfer of the Unity Centre to Northstowe Town Council through a Community Asset Transfer process.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the in-principle asset transfer of the Unity Centre to Northstowe Town Council.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the transfer of a community asset and may impact local stakeholders who have a connection to the Unity Centre.

affected_stakeholders: ["South Cambridgeshire District Council", "Northstowe Town Council", "Local community members with a connection to the Unity Centre"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12783

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: South Cambridgeshire District Council has received a request for Community Asset Transfer of the Unity Centre from Northstowe Town Council. The submission was received following an invitation made by South Cambridgeshire District Council to any eligible community-based organisation with a local connection to put forward a proposal to become the centre’s operator. This was prompted by receipt of an initial proposal (27 February 2025) from the Town Council, triggering the Community Asset Transfer process.

Content: South Cambridgeshire District Council has received a request for Community Asset Transfer of the Unity Centre from Northstowe Town Council. The submission was received following an invitation made by South Cambridgeshire District Council to any eligible community-based organisation with a local connection to put forward a proposal to become the centre’s operator. This was prompted by receipt of an initial proposal (27 February 2025) from the Town Council, triggering the Community Asset Transfer process. Cabinet has approved an in-principle asset transfer of the Unity Centre to Northstowe Town Council and endorsed further discussion with the Town Council to progress their proposal.   Cabinet has delegated responsibility to agree the final terms of the lease, to the Cabinet Member for Communities and the Senior Responsible Officer for Northstowe (the Chief Operating Officer).

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025