Sporting Assets worked with Sennen Cove Recreation Centre (SCRC) as part of the Community Ownership Fund (COF) to help secure investment to rebuild the dilapidated building.

SCRC was donated to the community over 100 years ago, and serves as the only waterside community building in the Sennen Parish, Cornwall. Being a coastal community, it is essential that the residents have a facility that can provide opportunities for sea sports and water safety. Loneliness and isolation are problems in the area, with a quarter of the houses used as second homes, another reason it was vital to save the centre.

Sporting Assets worked closely with SCRC to help develop a business plan and application to COF alongside other funders.

Our support included:

• support to review the wider community offer and programme
• developing a business plan, cashflow and 5-year forecast
• identifying potential sources of partnership funding
• guidance to satisfy post-award requirements and draw down money

Our support helped SCRC to secure a total grant award from COF of c. £372k.

The funding will build a new and improved 2 storey centre, offering a warm accessible comfortable space with changing areas, toilets & showers, a gym, small kitchen and multi-purpose training areas.

As a result, the new centre has scope to provide space for a variety of activities which includes a community surf club, gig rowing club, lifesaving courses and a community gym. It will also host visits from local schools and accommodate other community groups.