A NEW £9m programme to create more sustainable communities in Wales by supporting asset transfer was officially launched by the Big Lottery Fund (The Fund) today.

Hundreds of people are expected to attended launch events around Wales this week for the new multi-million Community Asset Transfer 2 Programme (CAT2). It aims to provide both capital and revenue funding to support the transfer of assets, such as land and buildings to community ownership. The assets can be transferred from individuals, the public or private sector.

Projects can apply for grants between £300,000 and £1,150,000 with money being used to help community groups to regenerate and reinvigorate the assets and develop manage and sustain them to improve their livelihoods and neighbourhoods.

Through this programme, groups will be encouraged to use the asset to generate multiple income streams and provide quality services and amenities.

Following the success of the first Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme which was launched in 2010 and through further consultation, The Fund have discovered a continued need for this kind of programme for communities in Wales.

Rob Pickford Wales Big Lottery Fund Wales Committee member and Chair of the CAT2 programme committee said: “This programme is helping Welsh communities to become stronger and more sustainable by assisting them to obtain and develop assets and improve where they live. By helping to transfer assets to enterprising organisations that actively involve and benefit the communities they serve, we are ultimately helping more people to benefit from their local community assets and also generating local income and employment.”

Big Lottery Fund Wales Director John Rose said: “The CAT programme was a huge success empowering communities across Wales to use buildings and land to suit their needs. We’ve taken the learning from CAT and built upon it to develop CAT2 into a programme that meets the needs of communities in Wales. The CAT2 programme aims to create more sustainable communities; supporting asset transfer to enterprising organisations that actively involve and benefit the communities they serve. It is about improving services and facilities for communities in Wales that are sustainable.”

Menter Môn received a grant under the first CAT programme to support the transfer of Llangefni Town Hall from the local county council. Built in 1841, the hall has been transformed into new offices for local organisations, event and exhibition space and seminar and meeting rooms. The newly restored Town Hall provides a range of activities for the community.

Managing Director of Menter Môn Gerallt Llewelyn Jones said: “Receiving the £606,639 Community Asset Transfer grant has been an incredible boost for our area; we have been able to provide a much needed space for local business and community networking, as well as create jobs and volunteering opportunities.

“Without the CAT 1 Lottery funding this project would not have had the confidence to close the financial package and contribute so tangibly to the revival of Llangefni’s town centre. We would definitely encourage those interested in transferring assets to their community to apply to the CAT2 programme.”