Age Concern Largs Completed Application

Name of Organisation

The Cameron Centre Largs (formerly AD Cameron Centre - Age Concern Largs).

Name of Asset

Land that the Cameron Centre Largs (AD Cameron Centre) is situated.

Asset Number

G2294701

Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

Redacted

This form is to initiate an asset transfer request made under Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Information is available at Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

Section 1: Information about the request

To help you along we have filled in the details given in your initial enquiry form. If any information has changed, please amend accordingly.

1.1 Please provide details of the organisation making the request

1.1.1 Main Contact for all correspondence

1.2 Structure and purpose of the organisation

1.2.1 What type of organisation are you?

We became an incorporated constituted group with a fully registered SCIO (SC054177) in April 2025.

1.2.2 Do you have a written formal constitution, governance document or set of rules?

Yes

1.2.3 How many people are members of your organisation?

Our current membership is 269.

1.2.4 When was the organisation established?

The organisation was established in 1968.

1.2.5 What is the purpose and main activities of your organisation?

Based within AD Cameron Centre, Age Concern Largs was established for the purpose of promoting the welfare, alleviating social isolation, and providing a safe environment for older members of the community (aged 60 years and above). Although based in Largs, our centre provides for all of the surrounding communities of the north coast, which encompasses the communities of Skelmorlie, Fairlie, West Kilbride, Kilbirnie, Dalry and Cumbrae. Our members can enjoy various activities, entertainment, day trips, and social lunches. Our members also have access to our tea-bar/café which supplies tea/coffee and soft drinks, biscuits and cakes daily on Monday to Friday (10am until 4pm, 10am until 2pm on Friday).

1.2.6 Does your organisation have previous experience of managing an asset?

As an organisation we currently own and manage the building of AD Cameron Centre, which is situated on land that is leased through North Ayrshire Council. We have a long history of successfully managing the Cameron Centre building since it was built. This includes making repairs, upgrading, and converting to energy efficient lighting and boilers. We have also installed energy efficient hand dryers, plus up to date sound and entertainment systems in both halls.

1.3 Please specify the asset (building or land) you are interested in

1.3.1 Asset

1.3.2 Type of transfer you are interested in

Full ownership of Asset.

1.3.3 If leasing, what length of lease?

Not applicable.

1.3.4 Are there any other organisations potentially affected by the ownership of this asset?

No other organisations will be affected, as we currently have a long-term lease on the ground from NAC.

1.4. Funding

1.4.1 Briefly outline how you propose to fund the transfer of ownership/lease

We have enough funds to cover the costings. If possible we would like to cover 10% figure, in order for us to ensure we have a contingency fund in place for any damages to the building and the land.

1.4.2 A Business Plan with a 3 year cash flow statement is beneficial for information purposes. A Business Plan will be required before a final decision is made. Two main sources of support for a business plan are:

Just Enterprise: Third sector organisations, enterprising charities and community organisations that are trading can get support by self-referring.

Community Enterprise: Support for smaller third sector organisations and community groups that are non-trading. This service can be accessed by self-referring.

Business plan attached (if available) - yes.

Three year cash flow attached (if available) - yes.

1.4.3 Previous 3 years financial statement is required

Attached (if available) - yes.

Reasons if not available (for example, new organisation) - blank.

1.5 You previously shared with us the following. Is there anything you would like to add to this to enhance your application?

Why are you interested in this asset and what do you want to use the asset for?

Currently we have a long-term lease on the land, with our organisation owning the building that it is situated on. By taking ownership of the land, it will ensure that the land and building is safeguarded for the benefit of the older members of the community.

What benefits will this bring to local community?

As an organisation we have been running for 57 years, and provide a needed service to our older members of the community. We currently have 269 members, ranging in ages from 50 up to 103 years of age. Our benefits to the older members of the community are many and wide ranging, including gentle keep-fit, Bingo, Film Nights, afternoon entertainment, BBQs, St Andrew's Day and Burns lunches. Within the centre we also host regular groups such as Alzheimers Scotland and Dementia Friendly Largs, Sensory Impaired Support Group, and Citizens Advice. Our hub is not just about providing services, but about building a vibrant, supportive community where older individuals can thrive.

1.6 Please tell us below

1.6.1 Describe the level and nature of support for the request from the local community?

We recently held a community survey, which was completed by 62 community members. The community feedback was positive. The responses have been collated into a report which has been submitted along with this form. We have also held meetings with our members, and provided an update at our recent AGM.

1.6.2 Are you aware of any restrictions on the use or development of the asset?

There are no restrictions on the asset, as we currently own the building that is situated on the land.

1.6.3 Impact on existing use – what negative consequences (if any) may occur if your request is agreed to? How would you propose to minimise these?

We don't see any negative consequences as we have been running for many years within the building that is situated on the land. If anything, we provide a much-needed service and hub to the older members of the community.

1.6.4 Describe how the proposal will benefit the wider Community

Please consider:

Accessibility for all members of the community

Our organisation is open to anyone aged 50 years and above. Our centre is all on a one level, with appropriate ramps and accessible doors for members that have mobility issues.

Wider community benefits

The Centre provides a space for older adults to connect with peers, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Offering activities like bingo helps keep minds active and engaged, whilst our gentle exercise classes help maintain physical health.

By securing the land that the Cameron Centre building sits on, it will bring long-term security and allow us to invest in the property confidently, plan long-term services, and avoid any fear of sudden enforced relocation or eviction. It will also ensure the land will remain a community space for older people rather than being sold off or redeveloped.

Create opportunities for local organisations to work together

We already have partnerships in place with organisations that include Alzheimers Scotland and Dementia Friendly Largs, Sensory Impaired Support Group, and Citizens Advice. We are also open to other potential partners that provide for older members of the community.

Financial investment into the area (for example, through grants unavailable to the council)

We have long history of applying for grants. However recently we have been fortunate enough to be successful with fundraising through donations and membership fees. We also raise funds through letting our facilities to local organisations.

Opportunities for developing local enterprise in particular ones which contribute to the community wealth building strategy

Information is available at Community Wealth Building.

Any upgrades and repairs that have been undertaken are done by local businesses. We have recently upgraded our kitchen, fitted by a local business. Any events that we have hosted are also provided by local businesses that have included: Soups and Scoops, Fish Works, Haley Stores, and the Rowan Tree Restaurant and Garden Centre.

Create new employment/volunteering opportunities

We currently have 20 volunteers, that undertake an array of tasks that include managing the centre and the programme, running the tea bar, producing home baking, key holding, and cleaning. Anyone that is interested in volunteering is made welcome, and given appropriate training.

Section 2: What skills, knowledge and experience does the organisation have

Please provide information on the following points and refer to guidance pack and Doc. BP-1 Business Proposal Template available on the website at Community Asset Transfer.

Section 3: How will the proposal contribute to the local priorities set out by the NAC Community Planning Partnership Local Outcomes Improvement Plan

Please provide details in the sections relevant to you. Information is available at Local Outcomes Improvement Plan – North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership.

3.1 Wellbeing:

• We will address health inequalities.
• We will enable community wellbeing.

The Community Asset Transfer will allow The Cameron Centre to further develop as a vital hub for promoting the wellbeing of older people in Largs and surrounding areas.

The centre will continue addressing health inequalities by continuing to offer inclusive, age-friendly programmes such as gentle exercise classes, social lunches, and health workshops designed to support physical and mental health in later life. We also aim to reduce barriers to access and tackle loneliness. Promoting older people's wellbeing by tailoring activities and support services to the needs of older adults, the centre provides a safe and welcoming space where they can connect, stay active, and maintain independence, helping reduce isolation and improving quality of life. A strong, supported older population contributes greatly to community cohesion. The centre will continue to promote volunteering among retirees, and empower older people to take a lead in their community, in turn enabling community wellbeing.

3.2 Work:

• We will increase employment.
• We will develop volunteering.
• We will better support our young people.

While focused on older adults, the centre contributes to the local economy and skills development through targeted volunteering opportunities. The centre provides a wide range of meaningful volunteering roles for older adults - such as organising events, mentoring other, and helping with the day to day running of the space - allowing people to stay active, valued and connected.

3.3 World:

• We will work together to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• We will increase active travel.
• We will increase carbon literacy within our organisations and communities.

The centre already promotes environmental responsibility and sustainable practice within an older demographic.

The centre already has made changes to reduce Carbon Emissions/Climate Mitigation by installing energy efficient lighting, with sensors which also switches off automatically if no one is in the room. A more energy efficient boiler has also been installed.

The organisation prioritises sustainability in the use and upkeep of the building, and continues to look at ways to improve energy efficiency, reducing waste, and exploring opportunities for eco-friendly upgrades.

Due to the limited parking spaces at the building, Active Travel is promoted where appropriate by encouraging walking and accessible transport options for older adults where possible.

Section 4: Business & Development Plan

Please refer to Finance and Business documents: BP-I&E 3 Year Income & Expenditure and Doc. BP-1 Business Proposal Template available on the website at Community Asset Transfer.

If any of the following is not incorporated in your business plan please provide detail below in 4.1 and 4.2.

4.1 Briefly describe how you propose to fund:

• the price or rent you are prepared to pay
• any revenue or capital costs
• any overheads
• any redevelopment or ongoing maintenance
• the costs of your activities

As an organisation we are self-sufficient through our ongoing membership fees and regular income generated through groups and services letting our facilities. Due to the long nature of the lease that we have already had on the land as an organisation, the social investment to the older members of community has been extensive. Due to the expected maintenance costs that we may occur over the years, we are looking to pay redacted of the cost of the land.

4.2 Please identify all proposed income and investment, for example:

• all proposed grants or loan applications
• any donations you expect to receive

We will continue to raise funds through our membership fees, and ongoing letting income. We have previously applied for older people grants as and when needed. We have regularly received donations from local businesses.

4.3 Contingency Planning

We have a reserve in the region of redacted which is ring-fenced for any ongoing building maintenance costs. We are also looking to upgrade the kitchen in the tea bar, which will cost in the region of redacted.

Section 5: Supporting documentation must be included (if applicable)

For us to properly assess your application we require a range of supporting documents as specified below. If these are currently not available and you are working on them, we will be back in touch soon and your SPOC will be on hand to help.

This information will be used as part of the assessment by NAC Community Asset Transfer team:

• Copy of constitution/governance document or set of rules (see Section 1.2)
• Any maps, drawings or description of the asset/land requested
• Note of any terms and conditions that are to apply to the request
• Copy of Community Consultation/Engagement activities
• Evidence of community support
• Evidence of Funding Secured
• Business Plan with 3 years projected cash flow statement (see Section 1.4 and Section 4)
• Last 3 years independently verified reports/accounts
• 12 months bank statements
• Equalities Policy/Statement
• Child Protection/Protecting Vulnerable Groups Policy
• Health and Safety Policy/Health and Safety at Work Act Policy
• Letters of Support or References
• Other policies for example, Training policy, Volunteer policy, proper Employment practices, wages and conditions of service of employees and purchasing policies, if relevant to your organisation
• Insurance – Public Liability Insurance/Buildings/Contents/Employers, and so on.

We require 2 signatures at this stage.

Signatures of the organisation making the request

Data Protection: North Ayrshire Council gathers and process information about you so that services, including this form, can be delivered effectively. We will only ask for the minimum information necessary and process this in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act. A copy of our privacy Policy Statement is available on request or can be viewed on our website at Privacy Policy.

By signing below you are agreeing to your information being gathered and processed as above.

By ticking this box you are agreeing to your information in relation to this asset transfer request being shared with a third party, who may have involvement in your application process.

We will keep your information for 5 years to monitor your asset transfer. If you wish this information to be removed, please contact us and we will remove within 30 days.