Reading Borough Council have now commenced the 8-week bidding process for the release of the Courage Pavilions on a leasehold basis. This is being released to the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) through the Third Sector process.
Deadline:
Local VCS organisations are invited to submit their subject to planning proposals by 5pm on Friday 4 April 2025.
How to apply:
If you are a local VCS organisation then please contact info@rva.org.uk or telephone 0118 9372273 to receive copies of the following:
- Marketing particulars
- Community Bidding Opportunity
- Site Plan
- Floor Plan
- Application Process
- Application to bid Form
- Scoring system
Bidders should differentiate between the Lease proposals for the pavilion and how they separately propose to maintain and manage the playing fields and open space areas under a separate agreement. This must include continuing use of the football pitch provision for local leagues, should ideally include bringing the cricket wicket back into use, and potentially use of the lit artificial grass court. Additionally, any activities or services which increases and enhances recreational use of the park will support your application.
The RVA Advice Service can offer support and advice to local VCS organisations with understanding the third sector bidding process and any related governance support in order to submit your application.
Once you are ready to submit your application, please send these to the following individual at RBC:
Becky Knight via email to becky.knight@reading.gov.uk
Officers will then assess bids on the basis of the value provided to Reading Borough Council of releasing the property in accordance with the Council’s Third Sector Premises Policy Statement to a local VCS organisation, based on the contribution to the Council’s priorities as set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan. All bids received from the VCS will be reported to the RBC Policy Committee.
Viewings
All viewings are by appointment by contacting:
Becky Knight, Sport and Physical Activity Manager
Email: becky.knight@reading.gov.uk
Further support
- VCS organisations are welcome to contact the RVA Advice Service at info@rva.org.uk for free, confidential advice and assistance with submitting their application.
- VCS organisations can apply for pro bono professional services from LandAid, for example a Surveyor, Architect, Solicitor etc. You can read more here.