Expanding Access to Anchor Resources –
What are we seeking to achieve?
1. Using buildings and spaces to support local communities
- Enabling local groups, charities and businesses to use estates when they are not in use, at little or no cost.
- Considering leasing retail space to local community businesses, thereby encouraging staff and visitors to spend locally.
2. Converting and selling estate for community benefit
- Considering social value and the impact on the community when selling surplus land or redeveloping land or buildings, for example supporting access to affordable housing or housing for employees.
- Pursuing alternatives to open market sales and enter into joint ventures with housing associations or councils who may be able to help attract upfront investment for the development of community spaces or housing.
3. Working in partnership across a place to maximise the wider value of anchor estates
- Beyond the sale of surplus assets, working proactively with other anchors to help improve the local built environment to support community health and wellbeing.
- Carrying out meaningful public engagement during planning of opportunities to use estates for public good.
4. Developing accessible community green spaces
- Creating more accessible community parks which provide a habitat for wildlife, a space for physical activity and contribute to improved health and wellbeing, particularly for people who otherwise would not have access.
- Opening up existing green space owned by anchor organisations to the local community to increase its positive impact on health and wellbeing.
- Working to develop good quality, accessible green spaces on unused land.
