The Belle Vue Community Centre in Penarth, which cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to develop, still lacks a long-term operator, as reported by Wales Online. Recently, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet members decided to extend a management agreement with Big Fresh Catering Company to continue as interim operators of the centre. This one-year extension provides flexibility with three-monthly break clauses to facilitate a potential handover in the future. The council aims to use this time to explore sustainable management options for the facility.
The leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, emphasized the importance of finding the right solution for the community centre. She praised the facility for its outstanding disabled facilities, underscoring its potential as a hub for various activities and services. Plans for the Belle Vue Community Centre were approved back in 2021, with the new building officially opening its doors in 2023. Currently, the management responsibility lies with Big Fresh under an interim agreement set to expire on March 31, 2025.
Cllr Burnett expressed the council’s eagerness to collaborate with potential operators to secure the centre’s long-term future. Despite opposition during the development phase, residents criticized the project as a wasteful endeavour benefiting only a select few. A petition opposing the plans highlighted concerns about the use of public funds derived from property developers through section 106 obligations.
Since its inauguration, Belle Vue has hosted a range of activities, from music and art classes to language lessons, serving as a vibrant community space. Big Fresh, established by Vale of Glamorgan Council, is exploring the possibility of assuming long-term management of the centre. Additionally, the Friends of Belle Vue have submitted a community asset transfer application to oversee the facility’s operations, subject to council approval.
As the council deliberates over the extension of interim management arrangements, the focus remains on ensuring a sustainable and community-centric approach to the centre’s operation. The cabinet paper underscores the need to consider alternative management models to guarantee the facility’s viability and community integration. The commitment to finding the right operator reflects the council’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of local residents through the Belle Vue Community Centre.
As discussions continue regarding the long-term management of the community centre, stakeholders are actively engaged in shaping its future. With a diverse array of activities already taking place within its walls, the Belle Vue Community Centre stands as a testament to the importance of such communal spaces in enhancing residents’ quality of life. The collaborative efforts between local authorities, community groups, and potential operators signal a proactive approach towards ensuring the centre’s continued success in serving the people of Penarth.