AN iconic Ulverston building will be transferred into the hands of the community. 

The Coronation Hall is owned by South Lakeland District Council, along with the market hall and outdoor markets. 

Today, SLDC's cabinet agreed to transfer these assets over to Ulverston Community Enterprise. 

The group will lease the Coro and the markets for a "peppercorn rent", meaning they will be running all the services. 

SLDC will still be responsible for the maintenance of the building. 

Chairwoman of UCE, Judy Pickthall, said: "I am very pleased and extremely relieved that this decision has been made. 
"In three years we will look into whether or not we can take on the building of the Coro." 

This decision comes after David Sykes, director of people and places on SLDC, recommended that the transfer should go forward.  

For more than a year, SLDC has been in negotiations with UCE about transferring the assets.

This will save the council £117,000 over a five-year period. 

Mr Sykes said: "Through the endeavours of Ulverston Community Enterprises, with the support of SLDC, the proposal will provide a model for localism." 

UCE wants the Coronation Hall to act as Ulverston’s "community hub". 

The group was set up last year "to reclaim Ulverston’s assets for the common good". 

It is a not-for-profit community enterprise , and its main activities are to scope, plan and oversee the running of assets of community significance in Ulverston so they contribute to the town’s economic, social and cultural wellbeing. 

In addition, as a not-for-profit company with charitable status, UCE can apply for grants which local authorities cannot access.

It has already sought grants from a range of charitable sources to take forward work to develop both the Coronation Hall and the markets. 

Councillor Peter Thornton, leader of South Lakeland District Council, said: “We have been pleased to work on this project with Ulverston Community Enterprises. 

“In some senses it is a step into the unknown, but with the goodwill shown by the people of Ulverston I am convinced that wherever the project ultimately leads it will be for the benefit of the whole community.’’ 

Cllr Pickthall added: "A tremendous amount of hard work has been undertaken and a great deal of good will has been generated between UCE and SLDC. 

"We are pleased and proud that we have come so far. There is still a great deal of hard work to do and tough decisions to make, but we are ready for the further challenges ahead of us because we are convinced that our project will lead to a more caring, efficient and prosperous Ulverston."