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New guidance for local authorities and public sector bodies looking to transfer the ownership and management of historic buildings, monuments or landscapes to community-based organisations is now available on the English Heritage website.

This guidance, which has been compiled in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Architectural Heritage Fund, Prince's Regeneration Trust and the Development Trust Association's Asset Transfer Unit, comes at a time when the Government is encouraging communities to play a bigger role in improving their local areas. In addition, the Localism Bill proposes that local people are given first refusal on buying assets of community value.
 
Community ownership can help prevent a building or open space that has historic significance from falling into disrepair. It can also provide an alternative means of providing a local service or amenity, such as a community hall.
 
The guidance covers a range of issues from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively. These include taking stock of heritage assets, formulating transfer strategies, developing support for the project, assessing options for new uses, managing the risks, agreeing terms for transfer, raising finance and maintaining long-term viability. The guidance offers tips and checklists and provides numerous links to sources of further advice and support.

A series of case studies on the website showcase how a range of assets are flourishing under community management. These include Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St Peter's Church in Ipswich and Arnos Vale cemetery in Bristol.
 
Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, said: "Local authorities are responsible for a huge range of heritage assets, from town halls and libraries to sports centres and parks. Transfer of a heritage asset from a local authority to a community-based organisation can give neighbourhoods a greater say in how these historic buildings, monuments, parks and gardens are used and protected. This new guidance explains how transfers can be undertaken in a way which is sustainable in terms of ownership, management, use and conservation of the asset."
 
Steve Wyler, Director, Development Trusts Association, said: "By transferring heritage assets to community-based organisations, public bodies can harness the enthusiasm and skills of local people. Heritage assets are often hugely important locally, and with the right knowledge and support, community groups can prevent these valuable community resources from entering a spiral of underinvestment and neglect."

The information can be found at take ownership.
 
English Heritage is also organising two training events on the transfer of heritage assets through the Historic Environment Local Management programme. They are on 6 April in the East of England and 12 May in the Yorkshire and Humber region respectively. Any queries regarding availability please contact Sam Channer at HELMbookings@english-heritage.org.uk or call 01793 44 5029. The full HELM training calendar is available at www.helm.org.uk.

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•  Pillars of the Community The transfer of local authority heritage assets