Rotherham parish council's race against the clock to keep youth centre open

Wales Parish Council is trying to raise more than £500,000 to buy and repair Kiveton Park Youth and Community Centre from Rotherham Council, before the August 31 deadline.

Coun Paul Martin of Wales Parish Council said the loss of the centre would be a "deep blow" to the community, and many Kiveton residents have happy memories of the school turned youth centre.

The building, on Station Road, was given an "asset of community value" status earlier this year, giving the community a chance to purchase the building before it was put on the market.

Although the purchase deadline has been extended from July 14 to August 31, the coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder for the council to raise the funds to buy the centre, which also hosts a disability support group.

Rotherham Council has plans to move youth services to Kiveton Library, but Coun Martin says there is scope to use the building for a whole host of community activities if it is saved.

He added: "It's a real focal point of the community. The adult disability group has been called a lifeline by parents and carers who attend.

"The building could be utilised for other uses for the community. Some suggestions have been made such as a community cafe or a job club.

"We've asked for the borough council to work with us with the repairs, and we would apply for help through charities or business sponsorship."

Wales Parish Council has asked Rotherham Council to provide the building at a peppercorn rent, which would enable it to put funds into extensive repairs.

Coun Martin is concerned that if the property is put on the market, developers would find it more economical to demolish the building.

"This is a last chance saloon. If nothing happens, it's gone for good. Lots of members of the community came through the youth centre, and before that a school, so people have a real affinity for the building," he added.

"That's why we have appealed to Rotherham Council's commitment to localism. I can understand how difficult it is for the council with deep austerity cuts, but it's so important we don't sell off our sites."

It is estimated that renovations to the building will cost up to £300,000, and another £250,000 to buy the building.

Coun Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said: “I have now received the representations from the Parish Council about the former youth service building and will be considering these along with our asset management colleagues in order to respond as soon as possible.

"I appreciate that there is an understandable strength of feeling locally about trying to retain the building, but we must also consider this alongside the current ongoing costs to taxpayers of holding on to the building in its state of disrepair, and how long it may take to raise the necessary funds to make improvements, either for the local group or indeed for any other use.”

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