RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on how East Lothian Council buildings could be used to deliver face-to-face services.
This includes buildings that offer customer facilities where the public can speak face-to-face with an adviser, libraries with access to computers, bookable rooms and buildings which have the potential to be a community hub.
While the council says that there are no plans to stop or reduce these services, new approaches to the operation of buildings could help ensure the council has well-used assets within communities, offering flexible facilities to meet the needs of residents.
This could be achieved by using buildings differently, for example in some communities co-locating services which might currently be delivered from different buildings under one roof.
This has already happened at the Bleachingfield Centre in Dunbar and the George Johnstone Centre in Tranent.
There could also be opportunities for communities to take over the running of some buildings – such as by leasing them, community asset transfer or looking at opportunities with community planning partners and others.
An online questionnaire, seeking views from members of the public, is open now until June 29 at eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/infrastructure/place-making-project
Paper copies of the questionnaire are available in libraries.
Respondents are being asked about their use of buildings, what works well and which services could be provided in future.
Drop-in events, when people can review building information and provide feedback, will be held at the Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar, on Tuesday, June 10, 2-5pm; the John Gray Centre, Haddington, on Wednesday, June 11, 2-5pm; Prestonpans Library on Friday, June 13, 2-5pm; Musselburgh Library on Monday, June 16, 2-7pm; the George Johnstone Centre, Tranent, on Tuesday, June 17, 2-5pm; and North Berwick Library on Thursday, June 19, 2-7pm.
Workshops with community organisations, including key building stakeholders, have already taken place to discuss the principle of these approaches and hear views on the opportunities and challenges faced for community buildings.
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The current questionnaire is intended to build on the information gathered during these workshops.
Based on independent analysis and the community feedback, the council will develop proposals for ways in which buildings can be used differently to maintain services.
A report would be submitted to councillors for approval before any changes would be made. There would also be discussion with community planning partners.
The place-making project is in line with the council’s Property Asset Strategy and Management Plan, which was published last June, and will take account of evidence-based data analysis, including building usage.
Other information such as building condition, energy performance, fitness of purpose, proximity to alternative service provision and adaptability to net-zero carbon will also be taken into account.
The council has approved a number of savings which includes £3.6 million from reducing current operational running costs, alongside £23.4 million capital receipts.
It is hoped that the place-based asset review will ensure the council operates good-quality and well-utilised buildings with modern facilities in a sustainable and efficient way.
Tom Reid, the council's head of infrastructure, said: "After holding workshops with community organisations including those who use local buildings, the upcoming workshops are an opportunity to listen to the views of residents within our communities.
"While there are no specific proposals at this time, getting feedback can help us to develop options for the use of buildings which enable us to achieve a balanced budget whilst delivering high-quality services.
"We are focused on continuing to provide the face-to-face public services which local residents require, at the heart of our communities."
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