When decisions are taken to transfer ownership of heritage assets to community groups, local authorities should try to establish lasting relationships with them, recognising that if these groups are to become valued delivery partners they will often need help and guidance on how to manage these assets. Such transfers will be more sustainable in the long-term if they involve a ‘tapering’ support package rather than the local authority or partner organisation withdrawing completely as soon as the transfer is complete.

Pre- and post-investment monitoring will be a key part of this relationship perhaps graduated according to the value of the transfer and the existing skill capacity of the group in question in areas such as general management, finance and marketing. Specialists such as Building Preservation Trusts who may have taken interim ownership of heritage assets for the purposes of restoration might be well placed to provide this support. Whilst this may be viewed as the ‘professionalisation of the sector’, if this does not occur then assets that have been transferred risk falling into disrepair after transfer, to the ultimate detriment of the community.

Case Study: Castlemilk Stables.

This project demonstrates the impacts that bringing a much loved heritage asset back into use can have. The project is an example of how successful capacity building can result in the provision of an excellent community facility which has unlocked the development potential in the wider area. Like many of the other case studies the project has contributed to Glasgow City Council’s wider regeneration strategy for the city which aims to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion and life long learning.