A community asset transfer (CAT) is a process we can use to pass on the ownership of our land, buildings or structures (known as ‘assets’) to an independent group.
Once this process has been completed, it is then the responsibility of the appointed group to manage the asset.
How we will judge applications
Successful community asset transfer applications must meet specific criteria that includes:
- delivering sustained valued community assets and enable locally run services to thrive and flourish independent of council funding
- enabling and empower community organisations to directly operate assets and support the growth and development of the third sector
- providing social and economic benefits for the local area, focus on social inclusion and be environmentally considerate.
Before applying
Interested groups should read our Community Asset Transfer policy.
The policy sets out:
- who can apply for a community transfer
- how to apply for a community transfer
- the basis of transfer
- how we will assess each application.
The policy also reflects the wider aims outlined in the Woking for All and 2022/23 supplementary and amended priorities.
Assets available for transfer
Centres for the community
- St Mary's, located in Byfleet
- Moorcroft, located in Westfield
- The Vyne, located in Knaphill
- Parkview, located in Sheerwater
- Maybury Centre, located in Woking town centre
Sports pavilions
You can currently express your interest in the following pavilions. This will progress to transfers subject to the results of a condition survey.
- Alpha Road
- Brookwood Country Park
- Brookwood Farm
- Sheets Heath
- Byfleet
- Goldsworth Park
- Kingshead Lane
- St Peters
- Waterers Park
- West Byfleet
- Wheatsheaf Pavilion
- Woking Park
Public toilets
All public toilets are closed, excluding Woking town centre shopping centre facilities.
How to apply for an asset
To apply for a community asset transfer, groups must submit an expression of interest application form by 5pm on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Once you have completed, email the completed form to communityassettransfer@woking.gov.uk
What happens after you have applied - next steps
If your application meets the Community Asset Transfer policy criteria, you will progress to the next stage. At this point, you will receive an information pack for the relevant asset and be invited to submit a business case.
Community groups that submit an application will be contacted in August 2024. The transfer of our centres for the community will be prioritised.
Once the business case is approved, we will work with the group to agree the terms of the transfer.
There is no standard timescale for the transfer process because each transfer is unique. We will keep the interested group up to date with expected timescales during the process.
Progress update: community assets transfer
Update (June 2024)
- We are currently working to transfer the first of our four centres for the community (Moorcroft, Parkview, St Mary’s and The Vyne) and the Maybury Centre. Transfer applications for our centres for the community will be prioritised.
- Work to transfer our sports pavilions will take place later this year (2024).
- We will also undertake exploratory work on public toilets at the start of 2025.