Melbourne Park, Melbourne Terrace, Saltcoats - Full application

Name of organisation

Ripple Effect Saltcoats

Name of Asset

Melbourne Park, Melbourne Terrace, Saltcoats

Asset Number

G2289651

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.

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 Type of organisation

What type of organisation are you? What is your legal structure for example, Constituted Group, Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Community Interest Company (CIC) etc. Your organisation structure must enable you to undertake a CAT based on the definitions of the Scottish Government as outlined in the NAC Guidance Pack. Information is available at Community Asset Transfer.

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) SCO54661

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?

28 members

1.2.4 When was the organisation established?

Ripple Effect Saltcoats was formed as a constituted group in March 2021 before becoming a SCIO in October 2025.

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

(Summary of your aims and objectives)

Ripple Effect Saltcoats is a community driven initiative dedicated to revitalising the beautiful seaside town of Saltcoats. Our mission is to transform Saltcoats into a thriving hub that is not only a great place to live and work but also a must- visit destination for tourists. We envision a Saltcoats where the town centre, shorefront and surrounding areas are vibrant, welcoming and full of life. Our projects aim to enhance the physical, economic, social and cultural infrastructure of the community, making it a better place for everyone.

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

No

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

Lease of asset

1.3.3 If leasing, what length of lease?

(Please attach a note regarding any other terms & conditions)

25

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

Please give details including in relation to existing ownership/leasehold arrangements/ current users/other contractual arrangements or any funding associated with the asset where conditions on its use or ownership may apply.

Ripple Effect Saltcoats know of no other organisations affected.

1.4 Funding

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

Ripple Effect intends to fund the transfer of ownership through several different income streams. Fundraising involving local groups and members of the public, corporate sponsorship engaging shops and businesses and funding sources (NAC, Lottery Awards for All and others including Nuclear Restoration Services – formerly Magnox)

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)

Blank

If not available, would you like help to prepare one?

Blank

3 year cash flow attached (if available)

1.4.3 Previous 3 years financial statement is required

Attached (if available)

Reasons if not available (for example, new organisation)

As a relatively new organisation, Ripple Effect does not have a 3 year financial statement. However, current bank statements can be provided if required.

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?

Ripple Effect Saltcoats are dedicated to the regeneration of Saltcoats Town Centre and its surrounding environs and see this asset as pivotal to us achieving this aim. The community asset transfer of the toilets, accompanied with the asset lease of the adjoining park, will allow Ripple Effect to promote both the town centre and the shorefront as places to visit, spend time and generate much needed revenue in the town.

The public park will be reinstated to its previous use as a public convenience, creating a focal point on the shorefront and enabling the adjacent Melbourne Park to be restored to its former glory.

What benefits will this bring to local community?

The benefits to the local community are wide and varied. The board can tailor the facility to better meet the needs of the community. For example, baby changing, accessible bathrooms or even a tourist information point.

Community-run initiatives can harness local volunteers, which keeps down costs and can foster a sense of local pride of shared spaces.

The park will be reinstated its former glory as a community space that will have various family-friendly and fun activities for the local community and visitors to the area, thus making Saltcoats an attractive location and tourist destination.

Public conveniences will help support local businesses by making the area more attractive to visitors and shoppers alike. The walls can also support local artists as a display space.

The reinstated toilets would allow residents, tourists and local and visiting groups to utilise the much-underused Melbourne Park, encouraging more footfall to the beach and would be a destination break for cyclists and dog walkers alike.

1.6 Please tell us below

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

(for example, Evidence from public meetings, community surveys, info on total number of people in the community etc).

The Board have undertaken two public consultation exercises, the combined results of which are attached. We have taken on board the results of those public views.

Ripple Effect also consulted with local councillors, regional MSP’s and our local MP. Their letters of support are also attached

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

These might include changes to the building, create a new build etc. Please explain how your project will comply with these.

Ripple Effect is not aware of any restrictions on the use or development of this asset.

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?

You should consider any potential negative consequences for the local economy, environment, or any group of people, and explain how you could reduce these.

The Board does not foresee any negative consequences as to the building being restored to its original use.

1.6.4 Describe how the proposal will benefit the wider Community, please consider:

Accessibility for all members of the community

The park area will be open and accessible to all members of the community and visitors to the area. The planned family-friendly activities will be designed to ensure they are accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, disability and/or race.

Wider community benefits

There will be significant wider community benefits when the park is reinstated. For example, the family-friendly, fun activities will promote positive health and wellbeing by encouraging community members and visitors to be active and promote active lifestyles. The longer-term plan for the park is to ensure it becomes a focal point for the community to gather, thus promoting community cohesion and togetherness. It will bring together people of different ages and backgrounds, thus promoting and encouraging civic pride in our community.

Create opportunities for local organisations to work together

Rather than working in isolation, local community groups, TSI’s and the local authority will be able to share responsibilities by pooling skills and resources such as maintenance (The Men's Shed), finance and volunteers (TACT), and community learning and development (NAC) and so on.

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

The Community Asset Transfer of Melbourne Park will be the catalyst for more investment into this area and will complement the newly refurbished Pirate Playpark, (driven by community group SALT and funded by the Scottish Govt), the proposals by SPLASH to reopen the outdoor bathing pool (possible UK Govt Pride in Place funding), and SeaSalt Streets‘ vision of coloured lighting along the promenade via Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. We will continue to source and apply for funding streams that are not accessible to the council. We plan to support community wealth building The board intends to source funding to facilitate the inclusion of Braille signage to the property.

Opportunities for developing local enterprise in particular ones which contribute to the community wealth building strategy. Information is available at Community Wealth Building

We plan to contribute to community wealth building in North Ayrshire by supporting local contractors and suppliers during the improvement works and ongoing maintenance of the park.

Create new employment/volunteering opportunities

We plan to work with partners such as TACT and other entities to create employment, training and volunteering opportunities for young people and wider community members. For example, we plan to have a facility that sells coffee and other refreshments in the park area. This will create employment, training and volunteering opportunities for young people aged 16-25. We will also work in partnership with the local schools to create a welcoming environment for young people seeking work experience placements. Young people in our locality struggle to find positive post-education destinations and we are confident our plans for the park will work towards tackling this issue.

2. What skills, knowledge and experience does the organisation have in the following:

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

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 promote children and young people’s wellbeing.
• We will enable community wellbeing

Health Inequalities: Phase 1

The re-opening of the toilets to the public will ensure health benefits to all who live in and visit the local area. The toilet facility and park are in close proximity to the Saltcoats beachfront and playpark area and will provide many health-related benefits:

• access to clean, safe toilets is critical for sanitation for the visiting public, directly reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and parasitic infections
• properly maintained and managed community toilets prevent human waste from contaminating local waterways, rivers and waterways
• access to clean water for local people and visitors to use when visiting the area
• reduced pollution locally
• provides a safe space for women and girls to access sanitary health products

Health Inequalities: Phase 2

• family-friendly fun activities at the park will enable visitors to the toilet and park to take part in activities that will promote physically and mentally stimulating activities
• improves overall health and wellbeing of locals and visitors
• reduces isolation and loneliness by providing a space for the local community to gather
• planned events will promote social cohesion within the community, bringing together all demographics for family-friendly events.

Community Wellbeing

The health-related benefits of providing a public toilet facility and developing the park into a family-friendly area will have a positive impact on community wellbeing.

• increased community connectedness by giving the wider community and visitors confidence that they will be able to use a public toilet when visiting the area
• in turn, this will is will increase footfall and dwelling time in the area, enhancing the local economy
• community control over the opening times of the toilet enables us to be flexible to meet the needs of the community and other events taking place
• increased community connectedness
• shared, high-quality toilets will provide necessary privacy and reduce feelings of shame associated with inadequate facilities.
• reduced health and safety risks if the building is being left unused
• reduces the financial burden on the public purse
• preserves and promotes local heritage, history and culture
• reduces anti-social behaviour
• increases civic pride
• creates opportunities to attract community events such as Gala Queen or Markets and Fetes
• work with other local groups and organisations to support and complement their planned community activities
• bringing together partners and the wider community to encourage behavioural change e.g. environmental, health and lifestyle changes.
• increases accessible green spaces by providing a safe place for families to socialise, learn, interact and play.

The overall plan for the Melbourne Park Toilets and Park goes beyond aesthetics, it helps create and strengthen its role in nurturing and developing social connections and interactions, promoting good health and wellbeing, supporting biodiversity, creating employment and volunteering opportunities; and establishing an effective link between the town centre and shorefront. While we acknowledge the importance of providing and maintaining toilets, the aspirations extend to a broader spectrum of community benefits.

3.2 Work

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

We successfully secured Redacted from the North Ayrshire Ventures Trust (NAVT) to fund a Project Development Worker (PDW) to oversee the project whenever the CAT has been successfully passed at NAC Cabinet. The chosen candidate will liaise with the Ripple Effect Board, selected contractors, NAC’s planning and other relevant agencies to bring the project to a satisfactory conclusion.

As part of the wider development of Melbourne Park, we plan to operate a mobile coffee van in partnership with TACT. The plan is to hire a project manager and at least 20 young people aged 16-25 each year (on 4/5-hour contracts) to help increase employment opportunities in the area. Each young person will be given barista skills training and put through their Food Hygiene Safety Certificate.

We also plan to work in partnership with the local secondary schools in the area and local employability pathways services such as TACT‘s Positive Pathways to provide placement opportunities for young people. This will help our young people with personal and professional development and provide them with much-needed real-world work experience. We will also tap into these services for placement opportunities to support the other planned activities in the park area. This will require an onsite attendant who will distribute materials such as putters and balls, bowling equipment and chess pieces, for the planned putting green, target bowls rinks and the giant chess/draughts board.

The long-term vision for the toilets and park area will provide lots of employment, placement and volunteering opportunities for years to come. All income generated will be reinvested back into the community.

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.

Our long-term plan is to play our part in helping North Ayrshire Council achieve its net-zero targets by 2030 and reduce the impact of climate change by;

• exploring the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof of the toilets to contribute to the energy supply to the facility.
• encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to Melbourne Park and when visiting the beach, playpark and surrounding areas.
• exploring the possibility of installing ebike charging points at the facility in order to encourage dwelling time by passing cyclists as the toilets and park are on the National Cycle Route 77
• developing the green space in the park.
• facilitating environmental and climate focused activities within the park area, including links to schools and youth groups.
• ensuring all of our materials and resources are sourced locally and we use local contractors employing local people.
• supporting and promoting the Active Travel infrastructure by supporting and promoting walking and cycling.
• exploring energy efficient resources through engagement with CARES and Business Energy Scotland
• facilitating heritage and seasonal nature walks, including free maps of the area, leaving and ending at Melbourne Public Park.
• explore the possibility of installing a water harvesting mechanism on site to help reduce water wastage.
• install motion sensitive lighting reducing the need to use power continuously.
• install instant hot water heaters to negate the need for unnecessary and costly hot water storage

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 Community Asset Transfer page.

(If any 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

See business plan

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

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

See business plan

4.3 Contingency Planning – for example, future pandemic, energy cost increases etc

Please describe any plans that you have should there be any major changes to your forecast plans e.g. financial, staffing, volunteering (we are looking for information on your resilience as an organisation).

See business plan

5. Supporting documentation must be included (if applicable)

In order 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, etc.

We require 2 signatures at this stage.

Signatures of the organisation making the request

Date 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 Privacy Policy page.

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.