The reason it is positioned here is to emphasis that Shape Wellbeing was at pains to follow due diligence around due process and work in partnership with all stakeholders of the Community Centre, which includes other organisations wishing to operate within the Centre, but most importantly, the townsfolk of Arbroath. This is why the consultation process is still ongoing, as we are determined to hear as many voices from the town as possible.
We recognise that our proposal is not the only one for the Community Centre. It's right and proper that the people of Arbroath have a genuine choice as to what form they want their Community Centre to have for the future. Our proposal is about Wellbeing through reconnection that comes about by offering a range of physical and mental wellbeing opporunities for people to meet, gather and interact which we believe is central to a sustainable and healthy population.
Shape was looking for a way to expand its message and to ‘give back’ to society as a whole. Robert has lived experience of addiction to drugs and alcohol and is acutely aware of the problems in accessing the right care at the right time. Neil has lived experience of bereavement and the toll that this can take on personal and family life. They felt that having a place to go and to be with others and perhaps access services before crisis was reached is a good way to go. They are passionate believers in the power of the community and connection.
Angus Alive, who were operating the community centre, found it was financially not viable and so ownership was transferred back to Angus Council. In the first instance, before declaring the property surplus, they engaged with past users and community groups to look for an operator.
Shape put their proposal forward at the same time as two other potential operators. Both of these subsequently dropped out.
Shape went on to form a Community Interest Company (CIC) the sole purpose of which is to serve the needs of the community. To achieve this, there is a locally appointed board of trustees. All profits go back into the centre and the board or Shape does not take any financial reward. It is also asset locked which means that any assets that are part of the community hub belong to the hub and so can’t be sold off for profit.
Shape will not gain financially in any way. However, we do hope to gain by spreading our 4SP and 7KP as listed above and the belief that by doing that people can lead better, more fulfilling lives. We hope the message that Shape brings will make a difference to the wellbeing of ordinary people.
Shape realise that the success of the proposal hinges on local people getting involved and supporting the idea both in words and deeds. Volunteers are needed to make this a success The more support, the better the result will be for the whole future of the town.
At a meeting of Angus Council elected members in February, a vote was taking granting Shape the mandate to pursue its plans for the community centre. Specifically, that meant undertaking community engagement and communication about their proposal to establish if the vision has the support of the townsfolk. A second part of this was to flesh out the business plan to support the long-term viability and sustainability of the proposal. Shape has to report back with their finding in February 2026. From there, the elected members will decide whether to grant a lease to operate the building