Darlaston Town Hall leased out for £1 a year as charity pledges £250,000 investment

Walsall Council bosses are set to approve a 25 year lease which would see Darlaston Town Hall handed over to the Murray Hall Community Trust at a 'peppercorn rent' price of just £1 a year.

Proposals put forward by the Sandwell based trust includes plans for the development of a community hub at the site and £250,000 being invested to improve facilities.

Community leaders in the area have long called for the building to be given a new lease of life.

Paul Gordon, head of business change at the council, said: "Murray Hall Community Trust will invest £250,000 aimed at improving the facilities and development of a wide range of activities for the benefit of the local community.

"The trust aims to make optimum use of the facilities to enrich the lives of local residents, to foster social inclusion and to encourage participation in the life of the local community.

"The proposal includes plans for the development of a community hub which will improve the quality of life for the local residents by seeking to promote the principles of personal development, healthy lifestyle, wellbeing, community engagement and empowerment and social inclusion.

"The trust will actively seek strategic partnerships and opportunities for joint working with other stakeholders and interested parties.

"The trust’s desire is to work closely with the ‘third sector’ and will directly involve the wider community in the running of the town hall by creating Darlaston Community Hub and determining its overall direction."

Doug James, councillor for the town, said: "I am very pleased to se progress being made at the site of our town hall.

"This a very successful community organisation which we are looking to work with and they have got considerable experience not only in running town halls but community events as well.

"It is a step forward for the town and I am pleased that the group have spoken with residents and community groups already to gauge opinion.

"It is a long time coming, it has been awful to see the town hall neglected for so long."

The council estimates that were it to be put on the market, the town hall would bring in £20,000 per year in rent, meaning they are foregoing a potential £5 million in rent over the lease period being offered to Murray Hall Community Trust.

Councillor James said: "At the moment, I am surprised that anyone is happy to take on the site considering its condition, I think this is the best way forward."