Place Making Project: Community Facilities Engagement - North Berwick Community Centre

Overview

East Lothian Council is reviewing how community buildings are used to help make sure local facilities remain well-used, sustainable and available for communities in the future.

As part of this work, the council is exploring whether local community organisations would be interested in taking a greater role in managing some community facilities. This could be through:

• A long-term community benefit subsidised lease of the building at a reduced rent where community benefits are delivered.
• A community asset transfer, where a community organisation takes on ownership, lease or management of a publicly owned building.

This work follows a council decision in October 2025 to explore different ways of delivering services from some community centres and village halls in partnership with local communities.

The first engagement exercise, which runs to 31 December 2026, includes:

• North Berwick Community Centre
• Gullane Recreation Hall
• Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans
• Port Seton Centre

This questionaire relates specifically to North Berwick Community Centre.

Community asset transfer is a process set out in Scottish legislation that allows community organisations to take on public buildings where they can demonstrate benefits for local people. Where community asset transfer is not appropriate or desired, the council's community benefit subsidised lease policy provides an alternative option, allowing community organisations to lease buildings on a long-term basis at a reduced rent.

Both approaches give local organisations more control over how facilities are managed, developed and improved. This can allow communities to shape activities and services to better meet local needs, while also providing access to funding opportunities that are often unavailable to local authorities.

Community-led management can help keep facilities focused on local priorities, encourage volunteering and community involvement, and support the long-term future of important community buildings. It can also provide greater flexibility for communities to develop new activities, services and investment opportunities that benefit local residents.

You can find out more about Community Asset Transfer and Community Benefit Subsidised Leases using the links below:

Community Asset Transfer

Community Benefit Subsidised Lease

Premises information for North Berwick Community Centre can be found using the link below:

North Berwick Community Centre Premises Information

Why your views matter

This engagement is about understanding community views, identifying opportunities for partnership working and exploring whether alternative operating models could help secure the long-term future of valued community buildings. Residents, user groups and local organisations are therefore encouraged to complete the questionnaire and share their views on potential alternative operating models at North berwick Community Centre.