Campaign Update
Keep Brookfield Hall in Community Use
The Community Asset Transfer proposal has been rejected, but the nomination of Brookfield Hall as an Asset of Community Value remains under consideration. The building's future use therefore remains uncertain, with no community ownership or management arrangement agreed.
Show your support for Brookfield Hall
Add your name to tell Cheshire East Council that local people want this building kept in community use.
A Significant Milestone
The Community Asset Transfer proposal has been rejected.
However, the nomination of Brookfield Hall as an Asset of Community Value remains under consideration. The building's future use therefore remains uncertain, with no community ownership or management arrangement agreed. The community continues to press the case for Brookfield Hall to be kept in community use.
We would like to thank the following local councillors for engaging constructively with the campaign and supporting discussions with Cheshire East Council officers, which contributed to Brookfield Hall being removed from the auction process:
- Cllr Geoff Smith
- Cllr John Priest
- Cllr Dawn Clark
We are also grateful to Nantwich Town Council and to Connor Naismith MP for their formal support, writing to Cheshire East Council to back the call for a pause and to explore community options for Brookfield Hall.
And thank you to everyone who has signed up, shared, and supported the campaign so far. Your voices made this possible.
Once buildings like this are sold, they are often lost from community use permanently.
Brookfield Hall is a council-owned community building next to Brookfield Park in Nantwich.
It was recently listed for auction, but thanks to community support and constructive engagement from local councillors, Brookfield Hall has been removed from the auction listing.
The building's future use therefore remains uncertain, with no community ownership or management arrangement agreed — and the campaign to keep Brookfield Hall in community use continues.
What Happens Next
The campaign continues, and we need your continued support.
Gain local support
Gain formal support from CEC councillors and Nantwich Town Council
Secure a temporary pause to the auction
Community transfer expression of interest submitted
Nomination for Asset of Community Value
Continue building the support base
Build a working group in preparation to constitute
Discussions with Cheshire East Council to fully understand the purchase and lease costs, plus maintenance costs
Draft the business plan and 5-year financial forecast representing the true costs of a community transfer, and formally put our case forward
Although the Community Asset Transfer proposal was rejected, the ACV nomination remains under consideration. We need supporters, skills, evidence, and future users, everyone has a part to play.
How You Can Help
This campaign needs voices from across the community.
Residents & Local People
Show your support, share ideas, and tell us how you would use the building.
- What activities people want locally
- What groups need space
- Who wants to get involved
Councillors & Decision Makers
We are asking councillors to help us understand the process and explore alternatives.
- Help us understand the decision-making process
- Explore whether the auction can be paused
- Support conversations around community ownership
Community Groups & Organisations
Would your organisation use the space? We want to hear from local charities, community groups, wellbeing projects, arts organisations and more.
- Local charities
- Wellbeing projects
- Arts and culture organisations
- Youth and family activities
Funders, Investors & Supporters
We are exploring urgent options to keep the building in community use.
- Grants
- Community shares
- Social investment
- Bridging finance
- Partnerships
The Plan
A clear path forward, built step by step.
Phase 1 — Achieved
Pause the Auction
CompletedThanks to community support and constructive engagement from Cllrs Geoff Smith, John Priest and Dawn Clark, Brookfield Hall was removed from the auction listing.
Phase 2
Build Local Support
We are gathering community support, ideas for future use, potential partners, and practical offers of help.
Phase 3 — Achieved
Create & Plan
CompletedWe developed a business plan and an options appraisal. Had the Community Asset Transfer been approved, we would then have formed the right community vehicle (CIC, charity, community benefit society).
Protecting the Building
Alternative Routes
We submitted an application for Brookfield Hall to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which is under consideration by Cheshire East Council.
The Vision
A small but important space for connection, creativity and community life.
Brookfield Hall could become a welcoming community hub for:
Local groups and activities
Creative workshops
Family sessions
Wellbeing support
Community meals and events
Older residents
Youth activities
Affordable hire space
