Community asset opportunity
A careful path from “that building is empty” to a realistic community use or asset transfer conversation.
A feasibility note, community need evidence, and a formal enquiry to the owner — not a fantasy takeover.
Neighbourhoods missing a hall, warm space, youth base, or green commons.
Open this guide from a ward’s Take action tab to load councillor and Area Partnership contacts for that place.
Progress stays in your browser only (no account). Clear site data wipes ticks.
Step-by-step plan
Follow the phases in order. Finish one before expanding.
Is there a real need?
“A booked community hall with café and youth evenings” beats “a hub for everything”.
Waiting lists, closed venues, survey, partner letters of support.
Learn from failed bids — politics and cost kill more projects than ideas.
Owner conversation
Council, ALEO, private, church, HA. FOI if needed for council ownership.
Condition, running costs, restrictions, whether CAT/lease is possible.
Often SCIO or company limited by guarantee when money/lease is real — get advice.
Feasibility gate
Heating alone can kill a hall. Be brutal with numbers.
Walking away from a bad building is success if it protects the community from debt.
Kit & materials
Address, owner if known, condition from outside
What services are missing within 15 minutes’ walk
Community council, development trust, existing charities
Surveyor/legal later — do not skip forever
Council & institutional help
Councils must consider valid asset transfer requests under Scottish legislation. Ask for the surplus/CAT property list and process guide.
Empty commercial or council stock may sit with an arms-length property company. Ask for contacts and disposal status.
Use class and constraints matter. A free pre-app conversation can save months.
Safety & non‑negotiables
- Do not enter unsafe empty buildings
- No “occupation” tactics that endanger people or kill negotiations
- Financial risk is real — get independent advice before leases or purchases
Common mistakes
- Falling in love with a wreck without costings
- Going alone without a constituted body
- Promising services you cannot staff
- Skipping legal/survey advice
Funding that fits this action
Development trust and Scottish land/community funds (when eligible) · Early-stage feasibility grants · Not usually first-project micro-grants alone · Tap a card to open the funder website.
Glasgow Communities Fund
Community organisations delivering local outcomes
Who: Eligible third-sector / community bodies
Size: Varies by stream (multi-year programme when open)
Deadline: Published application windows
Tips: Align to published priorities; evidence need with ward data. Check whether the current round is open.
Common fails: Weak monitoring plan; duplication without partnership.
Glasgow Communities Fund (GCC) →
Investing in Communities Fund (Scottish Government)
Community-led regeneration and inequality work
Who: Eligible community organisations
Size: Larger multi-year possible
Deadline: National rounds
Tips: Strong community control and long-term outcomes. Check if a round is currently open.
Common fails: Top-down projects with weak community ownership.
Scottish Government ICF page →
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
People-led community projects
Who: Voluntary/community organisations
Size: Up to £20,000 (check current rules)
Deadline: Rolling
Tips: Plain language; clear beneficiaries; realistic budget.
Common fails: Retrospective costs; vague outcomes.
Apply — Awards for All Scotland →
Downloadable templates for this action
Open in any text editor or spreadsheet. Fill in the brackets — then send or print.