Future of community space set to be secured

What had been the Gatis Street Adventure Playground in Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, was acquired by community group Gatis Gardeners in 2015 on a short-term lease and transformed into Gatis Community Space.

It has now been declared surplus to requirements by Wolverhampton council and a 'community asset transfer lease' is set to be agreed for a term of 25 years.

Director Maria Billington, said: "This will be a longer term lease which will see us take over the running of the building.

"We have not actually signed the paperwork, but it will go through, and it is good news for us as it means the site will be sustained in the long term for community use."

Gatis Gardeners, a group of local volunteers, secured the initial three-month lease in May 2015 and took over the playground which featured a large outdoor play area, community building and separate fenced forest area.

It came after Wolverhampton council declared the closure of the playground as part of plans to save £465,000 in running costs. The playground had closed in March 2015.

In October 2015 Gatis Gardeners became a Community Interest Company.

Mrs Billington, added: "I am amazed how things have gone over the last two years.

"We have got a charity on site and we are rapidly booking up over the summer holidays."

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets at Wolverhampton council, said: “We have worked closely with the Gatis Gardeners - Acts of Random Caring Community Interest Company leadership team to enable this Community Asset Transfer to take place.

“The business case they have put forward means the long-term future of this community enterprise is secure and will serve the local community to the full.

“The official agreement must now be signed by both parties – and I am looking forward to seeing the centre build on its popularity over the coming years.”

Mrs Billington also revealed the project has recently had two funding boosts.

It has received £5,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to be used for bushcraft training and just under £10,000 from the European Social Fund (ESF) Community Grant to support unemployed people who want to get into volunteering.