Seeking Out An Asset
Once you have worked out what sports facilities are needed and how you might provide them, the pro-active way to seek out an asset or facility is to locate it yourself. This may simply be by walking, running or cycling around the geographical area concerned and looking for a likely building or piece of land. You can then make enquiries about any possibility facilities you identify.
Other community organisations or members could also be called upon to look on your behalf. Alternatively, you could approach the local council (eg the planning or property departments or the local councillor) with your request and a basic list of requirements (using your Ideal Facility Planner) and ask to be notified if there are any local assets that the council or other public body might be interested in transferring.
The process is likely to be much easier (in terms of negotiating transfer, sorting our building work and getting planning permission), if you focus on buildings, facilities or pieces of land which are already being used for sports – even if it is not the same range of sports as you are planning. Transfer may also be more likely if the facility in question is derelict or under-used, but this also brings with it problems and challenges.
If you already have an asset in mind you should approach the owner of the asset to discuss your ideas.
Being approached
It is always possible that you won’t have to go out looking for your resource – it might come to you. If your local council or other public sector organisation is aware of what you do and your need for more permanent facilities, they might approach you if an asset or facility becomes available. The golden rule when this happens is not to get carried away. While we don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, treat the proposal with caution. It is possible that the transfer might be in the best interests of the public sector organisation and the community, but it might not be appropriate for your organisation. Don’t be afraid to take your time in assessing whether the facility is right for you and, ultimately, don’t be afraid to say no.
If you do have to say no, make sure you are clear why you are saying no (for example, it is in the wrong location) and if you are still interested in other, more suitable, offers.