Download the slides as a PDF document here.
You are still able to provide feedback: Take the survey or contact us
Download the slides as a PDF document here.
You are still able to provide feedback: Take the survey or contact us
Contact: hello@bvconsultation.org.uk
We are seeking ideas, feedback and support that could lead to a change in the governance and management of Belle Vue Community Centre. With sufficient support, a community led model run via a charitable organisation could include the following benefits:
Free or reduced room hire for local groups and the school.
Register as a CIO for funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Opening times tailored to community needs (feedback needed)
Room hire income separated from café costs, benefiting the community.
A community model will be led by trustees and a management committee who live, work, school or play in Penarth.
Modelled on successful facilities like Grange Pavilion.
Contact: hello@bvconsultation.org.uk
A community led model is an organisational structure that will empower facility users and user groups to make key decisions about how Belle Vue Community Centre is run and managed. A democratically elected Management Committee will ensure the foundation is in place for the facility to continue to expand the existing service provisions, and be invested in a sustainable future. It's proposed that community led model is set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation ("CIO"). The structure unlocks the benefits of charitable status, whilst limiting liability for trustees.
If appointed, the management committee will invite tenders for applications to manage and run independent café operations to ensure seamless provision of high quality refreshment service.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council ("VOGC") have granted their arms length commercial catering enterprise (Big Fresh Catering Company Ltd.) a temporary licence to operate the café and shared community space. VOGC provides start-up funding, ongoing financial support for utilities, cleaning and maintenance.
The revenue to run and operate the facility will be generated by income from room hire, fundraising activities, third sector funding (grants) and profit-sharing agreement with a café operator. This model has been proven successful in other similar facilities in South Wales. Additionally, working capital has been secured to ensure financial stability from day one.
A community led model is more financially sustainable due to the diversification of income streams and tax benefits not possible under the current local authority oversight model. A community led facility will continue to generate income from room hire and cafe sales, whilst unlocking future grant, fundraising and sponsor opportunities. The current, not insignificant, support from the local authority is concluding in the 2025/26 financial year. The plan to transition to a community led facility addresses this gap, whilst maintaining sufficient cash flow to protect the current service offerings.
The functioning of a community led facility depends on local representatives to facilitate a management committee to oversee operations. During the start up phase they will be involved in selecting suppliers to deliver the service provisions and helping with funding applications. Under a community oversight the core functions of the community centre including Cafe operations, opening/closing the building and cleaning will continue to be performed by paid staff.
The bowls club is an important contributor towards the future direction of the facility and they are committed to being part to future management arrangements, alongside all represented users and user groups. The bowls club are the foundation of Belle Vue Park and a continued beneficiary of the multi-use community facility.
The consultation findings suggest that opening hours is an important topic: 75% of respondents to the digital survey (n=150) suggested changes to the current opening hours. If appointed, these findings will be taken forward by the new management committee who will be responsible for defining the operation to meet the needs of the community, alongside the appointed cafe operator.
Yes, under the proposed community led model - hire of the facility for private events, educational or wellbeing activities will continue. In principle this model (subject to funding) will be able to offer a proportion of free slots to local user groups, including the school.
The proposed new CIO will have to be fully constituted and comprise a Board of Trustees (minimum 4; maximum 8 members) and a management committee (up to 10 members). Through the consultation we have identified initial commitment from users and user groups to meet these requirements, new volunteers are very much welcome. No skills or experience required. If you are interested in being part of this community vision; please get in touch via the channels below. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills and be part of the future of Belle Vue!
The Big Fresh Catering Company has an operating licence that has been extended until March 2026 (with break clauses). This provides certainty for the facility while a longer term governance and management model is determined. In the coming months, towards summer 2025, the local authority will evaluate the case for a community led ownership and governance. The exact timelines are currently unknown and further updates will be provided via this website.
Contact: hello@bvconsultation.org.uk