Catterick Garrison community hub set to cost £233,000 a year to run

The council's executive will be asked next week to approve an in-house operating model for the new Catterick Community and Enterprise Building, which is due to open in February 2027 in the Shute Road and Coronation Park area. The building forms one part of the wider regeneration project which secured government Levelling Up funding in 2023. It will provide facilities including business start-up and incubator space, a community kitchen, training opportunities and space for community events and activities. However, a report going before the executive on September 15 reveals there is currently no council budget for operating the new building. Officers recommend the authority runs the centre itself after considering an external operator. The in-house model is expected to cost an average of £233,000 annually over ten years and is described as more financially beneficial than using an external organisation. For the first full year of operation, £263,000 would be required, while the council will also face another £20,000 annually towards parks and grounds, street scene and highways costs. The remaining £60,000 of those additional £80,000 costs is initially expected to be covered by the Ministry of Defence, although that contribution is only expected to continue until the second phase of the town centre redevelopment begins. The executive is therefore being asked to approve up to £283,000 a year from 2027/28, funded from the council's corporate contingency budget. A further £44,000 is required during February and March 2027 when the building first opens. The report warns the figures are estimates and that any higher operating costs or shortfall in anticipated income would have to be met by the council. Officers say bringing the operation in-house represents better value because the council would retain all income and have greater control over costs and risks. Executive member for open to business, Councillor Mark Crane, said the hub had the potential to become a focal point for the community and play an important role in the future of Catterick Garrison, amid the £21m scheme to redevelop Catterick. He added: 'It will provide opportunities for local businesses to grow, help people develop new skills, host community events and activities, and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. 'We want this building to be a place that brings people together and supports the continued growth and development of the town. 'The proposals for us as a council to run the centre will be considered carefully by the executive to ensure that there is the very best value for our taxpayers.' Hipswell and Colburn councillor Kevin Foster welcomed the proposal to run the hub in-house. He said: 'It's really important that the council has control of this rather than outsourcing to a private company. 'This will be a very valuable community asset that will benefit the whole of the community.' On the cost to the council of running the hub, Cllr Foster said: 'It's only right that Hipswell and Colburn gets investment just like other areas of North Yorkshire have, such as the Whitby and Scarborough area.' Four council employees are proposed for the facility, alongside a part-time member of staff provided by the military HIVE service. The arrangement would enable weekday access as well as events at weekends and outside normal hours. The executive is recommended to approve the operating model and additional funding when it meets on September 15.