Derby Women’s Centre is pleased to announce that it is now the proud owner of 4 Leopold Street, Derby.
Derbyshire County Council recently transferred the property into our ownership through the community asset transfer initiative, which allows local councils to help local community groups and voluntary sector organisations take on responsibility for buildings or land in their area.
The deal will save the centre money and give us much more flexibility with cash flow. It will also allow us to rent out extra space in the centre to create income.
Yasmin Nazir, our chief executive, said: “We are thrilled. Owning the building has really been a lifeline in the current climate.
“It will reduce the centre’s costs significantly at a time when cost-cutting is crucial to our survival. It is also a testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers at the centre and we are grateful for Derbyshire County Council’s support.”
The building was previously let to the Women’s Centre by Derbyshire County Council. Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Management John Harrison said: “Derby Women’s Centre has been providing services for vulnerable women across Derbyshire for over 30 years.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to hand over the building, under the community transfer scheme, that they’ve been using so they can carry on with the vital services they provide.”
The deeds transfer was undertaken for DWC by Bakewell’s Solicitors in Derby, organised through Derbyshire ProHelp, an initiative of Business in the Community – a national network of over 400 professional firms committed to making a difference in their local community by providing free advice and professional support.
ProHelp manager Ann Hilton said: “We were delighted to have been able to assist Derby Women’s Centre. It’s a great organization, making a real impact in the community. This is exactly what ProHelp exists for, to make connections between business and the community to make a difference and help services such as this develop and grow.”