Attendees: Dayal, Elena, Kate, Karen, Julia, David

Notes

Engagement:

• Current strategy relies too heavily on WhatsApp; need a mailing list and public meeting notes for broader reach and transparency.
• Previous meeting minutes were inconsistently published, Karen to update

Meeting with Council:

• Met with Capital Projects and Properties Director and Head of Property Non-Residential and Disposal Lead;
• Council’s position: Building is not formally an Asset of Community Value; disposal by end of financial year (March). A six-month “informal” moratorium offered for group to raise funds and/or prepare a proposal.
• Council seeks best market value, no discount for social value. This will be a significant financial challenge.
• Proposed monthly meetings. Confirm and establish.
• Council offers a freehold sale, not a lease, with no ongoing relationship. Limits our ability to trial and test.
• FOI request for building condition survey was refused, citing sensitive information.

Building usage:

• Council will consider community workshops only if linked to vision/business planning, not for general activities.
• Discussed managing security costs with United Guarding; no fee waiver yet.
• Plan and book monthly workshops in the building; invite experts.

Fundraising and business plan:

• Require business feasibility study and business plan to secure large capital funding.
• Recommended engaging expert consultants (Kate to reach out to contacts) for business plans etc.
• Architectural Heritage Fund feasibility grants are a potential source of funding, but application is 8-12 week.
• Need a clear vision document with updated event photos and tangible plans for funders and council.

Group organisation:

• Clear roles (chair, vice-chair, secretary, …) needed for governance and credibility.
• Group workload imbalance; need more delegation
• Ask for new members bring specific expertise e.g. business planning, PR

Timing:

• Strict timeline: disposal by end of March, progress sought by Christmas.
• Architectural Heritage Fund’s payment in arrears could require short-term loans to cover
• Timeline will be a challenge, needs the group to prioritise.