Denbighshire County Council is progressing the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process for Denbigh Town Hall, exploring opportunities to secure the building’s long-term sustainability while maximising its value to the local community.
The process is now moving into the next phase, with Expressions of Interest invited from community groups, organisations, and other interested parties. This stage is expected to open on 1st July and will run until 26th August. Please note that the deadline for submitting any questions in relation to this process is 25th August.
Denbigh Town Hall will continue to operate as normal throughout this process, and all existing bookings and user arrangements remain unchanged.
On this page, you will find key information to support your interest, including the Council’s CAT Policy, the Expression of Interest form and the Denbigh Town Hall Property Pack:
If you would like to learn more or have any questions, please contact the Asset Management Team at assetmanagement@denbighshire.gov.uk.
What is included in the asset transfer?
The transfer will the building and car park located directly behind as defined in the property pack.
Are there any restrictions on how the building can be used?
Yes, use must align with planning regulations, any lease conditions, and the Council’s expectations for community benefit. Heritage considerations may also apply.
What is the current condition of the building?
The building is functional but may require ongoing maintenance and potential investment. Available condition information will be shared with interested parties.
Are surveys available?
Any existing surveys or condition reports held by the Council will be made available where appropriate. Applicants are expected to undertake their own due diligence.
Is the building listed or within a conservation area?
Yes. Denbigh Town Hall is a listed building and forms part of Denbigh’s historic town centre. As such, it is protected by heritage legislation. Any alterations, repairs, or changes of use will need to respect the building’s historic character and may require Listed Building Consent and/or planning permission. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of these responsibilities within their proposals.
What are the current running costs?
The Council will provide available information on current and historic running costs to support applicants, including indicative figures for utilities, maintenance, and other operational expenses where held.
However, applicants should note that these costs may change depending on how the building is used and managed. It is therefore the responsibility of applicants to satisfy themselves as to the full cost of operating the building and to undertake their own assessments as part of developing a sustainable proposal.
Is the building currently in use?
Yes, Denbigh Town Hall is currently fully operational and in active use. Further details of how the building is used, including any regular activities or arrangements, will be shared with applicants.
Any existing uses or commitments may need to be accommodated or carefully managed as part of future proposals, and applicants should consider how their plans would complement or transition from current operations.
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What must be included in an EOI submission?
Applicants must fully complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form provided and submit it before the stated deadline. In completing the form, applicants will be required to outline:
- Their organisation, including governance arrangements
- The proposed use of the building
- The expected community benefits
- Initial evidence of financial viability
- Evidence of local need and/or community support
Incomplete submissions or those received after the closing date may not be considered.
What is the deadline for submitting an EOI?
The deadline for submitting an EOI is the 26th of August. Late submissions may not be considered.
How should EOIs be submitted?
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by fully completing the EOI form provided and emailing it to assetmanagement@denbighshire.gov.uk no later than 26th August. Note - The deadline for questions is the 25th August.
Submissions received after this deadline or not submitted using the official form may not be considered.
Is there a template available?
Yes, An EOI template is provided alongside the key information on this webpage and must be used for all submissions.
If an application progresses beyond the EOI stage, shortlisted applicants will also be required to complete a more detailed business case form to support the next stage of the process.
Can applicants ask questions before submitting?
Yes, applicants are encouraged to seek clarification during the EOI period.
Will site visits be available?
Yes, site visits can be arranged to support applicants in developing informed proposals.
Requests for site visits should be made by emailing assetmanagement@denbighshire.gov.uk.
Is support available?
Advice and guidance can be requested by emailing assetmanagement@denbighshire.gov.uk, and the Council will assist applicants as far as reasonably possible.
Applicants should note that while support is available, they remain responsible for developing their own proposals and ensuring their submission is robust and sustainable.
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How will EOIs be evaluated?
EOIs will be assessed against criteria including:
- Community benefit
- Feasibility and deliverability
- Financial sustainability
- Organisational capacity
Will financial offers be considered at this stage?
The focus at EOI stage is on community value and viability, rather than purely financial return.
How important is community benefit?
Community benefit is a key factor and will be a primary consideration in assessment.
Who makes the decision?
Assessment will be carried out by Council officers, with decisions approved through appropriate governance processes.
When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be informed following completion of the evaluation process, in line with appropriate timelines.
Will feedback be provided?
Yes, feedback may be provided to help organisations understand the outcome.
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Are there funding opportunities available?
Applicants will be expected to identify their own funding, though the Council may signpost potential sources.
Is Council financial support available?
Direct funding is not guaranteed; however, support may be provided through advice or facilitation.
What level of financial detail is required at EOI stage?
Only an outline of financial viability is required initially. More detailed financial planning will be required if progressed to business case stage.
Will a business plan be required later?
Yes, shortlisted applicants will be required to submit a detailed business plan.
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What form of tenure is being offered?
This will be defined in later stages and may include leasehold or freehold options, depending on the proposal.
Will there be legal conditions attached?
Yes, legal agreements will include conditions to protect community use and Council interests.
Will there be clawback provisions?
In some cases, provisions may be included to protect public value if the asset is later sold or used differently.
Are there restrictions on future use or sale?
Yes, restrictions are likely to ensure the asset continues to benefit the community.
What governance is required?
Organisations must demonstrate appropriate governance, transparency, and accountability.
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What level of community engagement is expected?
Applicants should demonstrate meaningful engagement and evidence of local support.
How should community support be shown?
Through consultation, letters of support, surveys, or evidence of demand.
What uses are encouraged?
Uses that promote community wellbeing, cultural, social, or economic activity are encouraged.
Is public access required?
Yes. Denbigh Town Hall is a community building, and proposals are expected to retain and support its role as a community asset.
Applicants should demonstrate how their plans will maintain or enhance appropriate public access and ensure the building continues to serve the local community.
Can commercial activities be included?
Yes, where they support financial sustainability and do not conflict with community objectives.
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Who is responsible for maintenance after transfer?
The successful organisation will be responsible for all repairs, maintenance, and ongoing management.
Are there liabilities?
Yes, responsibility for the building will transfer to the organisation, including associated risks.
What utilities are in place?
Basic information will be provided, but applicants should verify all details independently.
Will staff transfer (TUPE)?
At this stage, no assumption should be made regarding the transfer of staff. TUPE considerations will depend on the nature of current arrangements and the detail of any proposed service delivery model.
Where applications progress, this will be explored in more detail as part of the business case stage, and any implications will be discussed with shortlisted applicants in due course.
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What happens after EOI?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to develop a detailed proposal or business case.
Will proposals be refined?
Yes, applicants may have opportunities to develop and refine proposals with Council input.
What are the timescales?
The EOI stage will run for an 8-week period, from 1st July to 26th August. All EOIs must be submitted by the closing date.
Following this stage, shortlisted applicants will be invited to progress to the next phase, which will involve developing a more detailed business case.
Applicants should be aware that, while key milestones are set out, the overall Community Asset Transfer process can take several months to complete, depending on the complexity of proposals and required approvals.
Is support available in later stages?
Advice and guidance may continue, though applicants remain responsible for their proposals.
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What are the risks of taking on the building?
Risks include financial sustainability, maintenance liabilities, and compliance requirements.
What happens if the project fails?
Legal agreements may include provisions to protect the asset, including potential reversion to the Council.
What due diligence is expected?
Applicants must undertake appropriate financial, legal, and technical assessments before proceeding.
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Who can I contact for more information?
For further information or enquiries, please contact the Council by emailing assetmanagement@denbighshire.gov.uk.
Is there a deadline for questions?
Yes. The deadline for submitting questions is 25th August.
Will answers be shared?
Where appropriate, responses may be shared with all applicants to ensure transparency.
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Denbighshire County Council is committed to working with community partners to secure a sustainable and beneficial future for Denbigh Town Hall. We encourage all interested organisations to consider how their proposals can maximise community value while ensuring long-term viability.
These FAQs should be read alongside the property pack, CAT Policy and EOI form.