Community hub to cost council £233k a year to run

A community building being constructed in Catterick Garrison would cost £233,000 to run each year if taken over by the council, a report has found.

When opened, the Catterick Community and Enterprise Building will provide facilities including business start-up space, a community kitchen, training opportunities and community event and activity space.

North Yorkshire Council's executive will be asked next week to approve an in-house operating model for the centre, which is due to open in February, rather than an external operator.

However, a report to be considered by councillors has revealed there was currently no budget to run the centre, located in the Shute Road and Coronation Park area.

The building forms part of a wider regeneration project which secured government Levelling Up funding in 2023.

A total of £19m was awarded through the Levelling Up Fund, now known as the Local Regeneration Fund, with the remaining £2m of match-funding coming from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and North Yorkshire Council.

As well as community facilities, the project includes improvements to walking and cycling routes, public spaces and nearby Coronation Park.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, running the centre in-house was expected to cost an average of £233,000 annually over 10 years and was described as more financially beneficial than using an external organisation.

But, according to the report going before North Yorkshire Council's executive on 15 September, there was currently no budget for operating the new building.

The report warned the figures were estimates and that any higher operating costs or shortfall in anticipated income would have to be met by the council.

Councillor Mark Crane, executive member for open to business, said the hub had the potential to become a focal point for the community and play an important role in the future of Catterick Garrison.

"It will provide opportunities for local businesses to grow, help people develop new skills, host community events and activities and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike," Crane said.

Four council employees have been proposed for the facility, alongside a part-time member of staff provided by the military HIVE service.

The arrangement would enable weekday access as well as events at weekends and outside normal hours.

The executive is recommended to approve the operating model and additional funding when it meets next week.

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