Amble Development Trust

The Fourways building

Fresh bread from the Bread Bin bakery

The Fourways2 Norseman site

www.ambledevelopmenttrust.org.uk

Organisational profile

The Amble Development Trust was established in November 1994, and became a registered charity in 1995. The principle mission and objective of the Trust is to regenerate the former coal mining town of Amble by taking a lead in most aspects of economic social and community regeneration. The Trust operates a trading aim and the ADT Northumberland Ltd, permits the Trust to operate social enterprise initiatives with profits being "ploughed" back into the community based projects. As of 2006, the Trust has 16 staff including subsidiary. Amble is a small coastal town (population 6500), midway between Tyne & Tweed. Amble has suffered from the severe decline of traditional industries such as mining & fishing; as a direct consequence of this it has experienced high unemployment levels, and the withdrawal of support services, while communities have become increasingly isolated.

Asset Base Programme

In 1996 English Partnerships approved £2.8m funding over 5 years for key projects; substantial support has been secured since through the Northumberland Sub Regional Partnership for a number of asset based development projects including:

• The Fourways, which was formerly the Station Hotel. Amble Development Trust purchased the derelict property for £1 from the brewery in 1996; it is now worth £400k.
• The Community Bakery as Social Enterprise – opened October 2004 as a new business. Loan funds were taken with Local Investment Fund (LIF) with first charge on freehold.
• The South Pier – Rebuilt with £1.6m grant monies– has become a visitor attraction – now maintained by Harbour Commissioners.
• Town Square - Completed in May 2001- £700k with initial maintenance grant from County Council - the square is owned by the Trust (freehold) and provides limited income generation from markets with substantial community use.
• Fourways2 Norseman site – new community building with rented space and the Trust's accommodation, producing an income stream – The site is owned by the Trust (freehold), secured & cleared. Planning permission was obtained on the site in 2004. Funding applications are pending for a £1.25m project with construction expected to commence in June 2006.
• Coquet Hall site – with NCC & RDA – facilitate regeneration initiative. Part of a wider waterfront regeneration programme with private sector.
• Coble Quay – completed May 2005 with Harbour Commission partner. £350k secured single programme & FIFG funding. Linking to wider waterfront development programme.
• Amble Welfare site – Gifted freehold from trust managed through District Council, legal completion March 2006. To be developed – potential £4m community sports/recreation park facility. Identified as key project within Market Towns Health Check.
• Coastal Visitor Centre to incorporate YHA /Restaurant / training facility – Potential £8m project 20+ jobs. Major consultancy complete now working on Development Brief and new Partnership with Public & Private sector partners to include a mixed Waterfront development.
• Market Garden – Now an element of a much greater food hub project within a Regional Food Strategy programme resourced through the RDA & Sub regional partnership.

Benefits

Benefits of the asset base programme for the organisation:

• The Fourways houses four tenants, generating £30k plus rental income for the trust; it also houses the Amble Development Trust.
• Amble’s asset base development programme has helped increase it self-sufficiency and lessen its dependence on grant income.
• Increased profile
• Track record of delivery providing funder/lender confidence

Benefits of the asset base programme for the community:

• Transformation of the Amble Town Square from a previously run-down area of derelict buildings into a major focal point in the town for residents and visitors alike
• Seven local jobs created through the community bakery
• Twenty jobs to be created as part of the Coastal Visitor Centre project
• As part of its work the Trust has developed The Fourways to include an Opportunities Centre which aims to help people into new jobs, training, volunteering and enterprise
• Surpluses from rental and other income have helped maintain & develop “The Ambler” Community Newspaper plus AIME electronic media initiatives across the community.
• Transformation of previously derelict sites
• Private sector investment creating economic development related benefits – jobs & training
• Community confidence, self belief & civic pride
• Enhanced environment

Lessons learned

• Be patient; be persistent; have a plan, be prepared for delays; always have a project on the shelf; double your original contingency
• Our biggest difficulty was getting started, retaining staff and maintaining the organisation whilst the projects came together
• Having a long term credible plan gave us a lead over other communities
• Achieving a balance between commercial confidentiality & community involvement /consultation was key

Contact: David Milburn (Executive Director)