West Lothian Council's Asset Transfer Committee voted to transfer the property in Craigshill, Livingston, for £1, with Spark responsible for the whole cost of decoupling the heating system from the neighbouring property, which is estimated at £30,000.
The building was independently valued at £120,000, with Spark assessed as delivering over £500,000 of community benefits each year.
Spark have occupied and delivered community-focused services and activities from the former library building for over ten years under the terms of a commercial lease from the council.
They plan to continue to deliver community programmes, and owning the building will help ensure their long-term sustainability and financial security.
For more information on Spark, please visit www.sparkscot.com (opens new window)
A community asset transfer (CAT) is when a community group takes control of public land or buildings and uses them as a means of delivering positive outcomes for their community.
West Lothian Council recognises that the ownership of property assets (land and buildings) can contribute to the empowerment of communities and can present opportunities for community groups to access external funding that is not available from or to the council.
For more details around CAT, please see Community Asset Transfer
