asset transfer
in Northolt which was delivered through a partnership between Middlesex Football Association, Ealing Council, the Football Association, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the Premier League, the Football Foundation and the London Marathon Charitable Trust. At the heart of this partnership was our team, who saw the project through from proposal stage to completion. The Rectory Park project is an example of how architects, project development teams and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can come together in best practice for these kinds of asset transfer projects. Now completed, the 16,800sq ft scheme
provides two full size third generation football turf pitches, six changing rooms and 160sq m of community and social space. The park also accommodates grass football pitches, two cricket squares, a model fly zone with landing strip and a trim trail, all of which will benefit the local community. We were first brought in on the project when
the vacant park land went out to an open tender. Middlesex FA saw the potential of the site to deliver a Football Development Centre in line with the proposal for a new headquarters for the organisation. Our sports business consultancy team carried out an initial feasibility study, looking at viability of a range of options, including community needs
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assessment and a detailed financial review; allowing us to have a clear viewpoint on the site’s macro and micro environments. The proposed plans also aligned with the ambitious Parklife initiative – a national funding scheme that aims to help local communities access high quality grassroots football facilities. This joint approach provided a financially sustainable business model for all parties concerned. Additional funding was also put forward by Ealing Council, Middlesex FA and the London Marathon Trust, bringing the total funding raised to more than £3m. This development showcases how local authorities and County FAs need to ‘re-think’ current spaces and improve football at grassroots level. During the asset transfer process, our team
works to ensure all strategic partners are completely engaged with the proposed scheme from start to finish; as without complete buy-in from all parties, an ambitious project like Rectory Park would be impossible to complete. Understanding the needs of the local authority in question, The FA, Football Foundation and any other key partners is also integral to any project – collaborative working is crucial every step of the way.
As part of the process, we work with the
organisation in question to develop a financially sustainable business model, which helps consider how the facility will be used and produce revenue. This could be through multi- functional facilities such as a café, or space being booked by other groups and organisations to hold events. This business model is key, as it helps change an organisation’s mindset, creating an understanding of how much overheads may be – form the tangible cost of cutting grass or maintaining tennis courts. Overall when it comes to the asset transfer
process, it is important to be armed with real community insight and bring all strategic partners together through collaboration – if a community has no need or desire for a current facility; don’t be scared to sell land or change it’s use, un-used space isn’t serving communities, or improving cash-flow. It’s important to evaluate and action in a measured way, with the help of experts every step of the way.
www.lk2.co.uk
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