Asset transfers for Christchurch sites close to completion

Christchurch Town Council is reportedly close to taking ownership of Barrack Road Recreation Ground, Two Riversmeet Skate Park and Waterman’s Skate Park.

All three sites are currently owned by BCP Council, but it was decided in March 2023 their assets would be transferred to the town council.

But despite an agreement being reached between the two authorities, the transfer proved a slow process.

At a town council meeting in November last year, acting town clerk James Atkinson advised members of more delays.

He said Waterman’s Skate Park was a dedicated Queen Elizabeth II Field in Trust (FIT) site, and to transfer it, a deed of declaration must be entered.

Mr Atkinson said due to the park being a FIT site, there would be ‘certain implications and covenants’.

Barrack Road Recreation Ground (Image: NQ)

It was then resolved that the town council would transfer the assets and enter into a deed of declaration.

More than eight months later, progress has seemingly been made.

At Christchurch Town Council’s full council meeting on Monday, July 8, Mr Atkinson gave an update on the transfers in his report.

He said the three assets are ‘due to be transferred over’, adding: “All the documents have been sent to Steele Raymond and they are reviewing all deeds and licenses.

“It is expected that we are weeks away from finalising pending any anomalies.”

Town councillors have showed a willingness to retain control over some of Christchurch’s spaces and leisure areas.

The former sports pavilion at Barrack Road Recreation Ground

The take-over of the Barrack Road site in particular was previously described as a ‘pivotal moment for the community’.

As reported, a sports pavilion at the recreation ground was demolished after falling into a state of disrepair.

Town councillors had long wanted to take ownership of the site and blamed BCP Council for allowing it to ‘deteriorate’.

Earlier this year, Christchurch Town Council announced ‘ambitious’ plans for its redevelopment, which included investing in a new community building.