Island youth group celebrate ownership of building

The Arran Youth Foundation submitted an application for a Community Asset Transfer purchase which was approved by Cabinet in March 2020. 

 

This has not yet been completed and the group are now seeking to move to a 25-year CAT lease. 

 

The youth service was established as a non-profit making charity as a company under guarantee in 2008.

 

Based in Lamlash, their youth centre is a safe, warm environment where young people can engage in fun and meaningful youth work activities, sharing a laugh with friends and assisting them to “reach their potential through activities of their choice”.

 

Through the gradual development of their management skills and with ever-increasing young person involvement, it is hoped that in time the young people will increasingly administer the centre themselves.

 

The Arran Youth Foundation (AYF) submitted an application in 2019 requesting a Community Asset Transfer in relation to the Arran Youth Hut, on the grounds of Arran High School. The application was a request for a full CAT of the property via the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. 

 

AYF empowers and supports young people on the Isle of Arran by providing a safe, inclusive space for learning, creativity, and wellbeing. They aim to build confidence, life skills, and community connections  through youth-led activities, mental health support, and opportunities for personal growth. 

 

The original application was approved by Cabinet in March 2020, with officers authorised to conclude the legal and Community Asset Transfer processes.  

 

At the time of the application, AYF were using the building under a local informal agreement which had been in place for over 10 years.

 

As part of the continued growth and capacity building of AYF, and having considered the conditions of the full CAT ownership, the Board of Directors paused the progression of the CAT. 

 

This was influenced by the impact of the pandemic and concerns about the condition of the building. 

 

AYF have been working closely with the Senior Manager (Community Development) and Senior Officer (Islands) which resulted in an application by the Council, acting as Lead Partner, to the Scottish Government Islands Programme 2025-26 for funding to install a new, bespoke replacement youth centre in Lamlash, on the site of AYF’s current facility.

 

In 2024, North Ayrshire Council (NAC) supported the Arran Youth Foundation (AYF) to carry out a Feasibility Study, funded through the Repurposing Property Grant Fund. 

 

The project architect, working closely with youth workers and young people, conducted a thorough assessment of five potential options. 

 

Following this review, the preferred solution was identified as demolition of the existing building and the siting of a new portacabin, offering accommodation similar to the existing centre. 

 

An application for funding based on this option was successful, resulting in an award of £382,399 for the capital project. 

 

All funds must be legally committed by the end of March.

 

Island Youth Work services are currently provided in a structure of four linked portacabins, estimated to be 25+ years old. The existing centre is showing signs of significant deterioration and the cabins are beyond serviceable life. 

 

A new portacabin structure will provide more overall floor area with a more desirable and functional layout.  The new building will be constructed and largely fitted out offsite with on-site construction time restricted to the necessary groundworks and remaining fitting out and furnishing. On-site construction time will be four to six weeks.

 

Through ongoing consultation with Arran’s young people, it has been identified that this new facility will be “transformational”, safeguarding these vital youth services for years to come.

 

In recent locality planning engagement, young people said their centre “is the only free space left for young people on Arran”.

 

A 25-year lease was granted and provides stability that meets the needs of the Board of Directors and young people while providing additional opportunities for growth.

 

Cabinet approved the rental level being discounted to represent the 95 per cent reduction previously agreed at Cabinet in 2021.