Charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups can now express interest in leasing one of three Sefton Council-owned land and buildings under the Authority’s new Community Assets Process.

The new Community Assets Process will improve the way these organisations are able to deliver vital services, activities, and initiatives that directly benefit residents.

Improvements to assets and places

It provides a robust and transparent process for community-focused organisations to take on council-owned assets under lease agreements, and enables improvements to assets and places across the borough where there is unfulfilled potential. The policy and process was approved at Sefton Council’s Cabinet meeting earlier this month, following earlier review by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Three properties already available

The three properties already available via this process are:

• Orrell Mount Pavilion, Orrell Rd, Bootle L20 6DX
  
  
• 2-4 Trinity Rd, Bootle L20 7BE
  
  
• Bedford Road Community Centre, Bedford Rd, Bootle L20 9QB

Groups could use them to create spaces that promote inclusion, engagement, and positive change across Sefton.

Clear vision for community benefit

Groups could use them to create spaces that promote inclusion, engagement, and positive change across Sefton.

Not-for-profit organisations with strong Sefton connections and a clear vision for community benefit can apply. Eligible organisations include registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest Companies, and constituted community groups.

Applicants must demonstrate transparent governance, financial stability and a robust plan for service delivery.

The first stage of the application process involves eligible organisations submitting an Expression of Interest.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest on the three properties that are now available must be submitted to CommunityAssets@sefton.gov.uk  by 5pm on Monday 15th December 2025.

You can find more information including how to submit an Expression of Interest here.

Guidance and support is available from groupdeveploment@seftoncvs.org.uk.

After the Expressions of Interest stage successful organisations will be asked to submit a Full Application with shortlisted applicants being asked to develop a detailed business plan. Finally lease terms are agreed through the Legal Negotiation.

Commitment working in partnerships

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said: "This initiative reflects Sefton Council’s commitment to working in partnerships with our communities and the voluntary sector. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Sefton CVS on this important process.

“It is about strategically empowering local people and organisations and ensuring our available assets are being used to deliver real social value.

“I would encourage all eligible local organisations who could use these locations to apply and help us create vibrant, inclusive spaces for Sefton residents."

Best interests of Borough's future

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: "We are working to ensure that we make best use of our asset base with the best interests of the future of the Borough in mind.

“Value isn’t only about financial return to the public purse, but also about the wider economic, social and environmental value that we can deliver in partnership through assets such as those proposed via this process.

“In each case there is opportunity not only for delivery of positive outcomes for local communities, but also for enhancement of the spaces and places in question, for the benefit of our whole Borough."