Wider Impact Consultancy commissioned to support the future development and sustainability of the Goldenhill Community Centre.
Funded by the Big Lottery Awards for All programme, Stoke-on-Trent based Wider Impact Consultancy has been commissioned to carry out an independent feasibility study into the future development and sustainability of Goldenhill Community Centre.
Championed by Father Julian Green of St Joseph Catholic Church in Goldenhill (Funding commissioner), the study will involve close community consultation and exploring the current and future potential social and community impacts of the long-established community centre. Most significantly the study will explore the ‘business case’ for future development, which will include issues such as governance, future legal structures, management, staffing and long-term financial viability.
Subject to positive findings, the commission will be finalised by the delivery of a comprehensive Business Plan, with a final planned objective of supporting an asset transfer of the Community Centre from the local authority to a newly formed ‘not for profit’ community centred organisation.
Wider Impact Director Edwin Lewis says, “Whilst it is early days into this commission it is clear that Goldenhill Community Centre is valued by members of the local community, and is probably the only community facing resource in the area that has the potential to continue to deliver a wide range and variety of services, activities and community centred initiatives.
It is important that we listen and learn from local community members and organisations that utilise, or plan to utilise the centre; and to this end we will be arranging a wide variety of community consultation exercises. We will be working closely with established community groups and will be looking to meet with potential new partners and future patrons. Whilst there may be a ‘need’ for the centre, it is also important to confirm the future long-term economic sustainability of the building as a whole.
I therefore ask that anyone who wishes to contribute to the feasibility study to either ring me on 07871 165 780, or email me at edwin@widerimpact.com”.
Father Julian Green says, “We are pleased to have secured the funding for this feasibility study, and the journey has just been started.
We have established a working group to direct and support the role of Wider Impact and would welcome anyone who feels they that can add value to our work to join the working group.
A key to the success of the venture is ‘community support’ and we are looking to involve local community members, activists and local business owners and managers to play a positive role in the long-term sustainable future of such an important community facing resource”.
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