Councillors have agreed to transfer Ulverston’s Coronation Hall to a community led group by April 2016.

The transfer of the Coronation Hall, Market Hall and control of the markets to Ulverston Community Enterprises should be completed by April 1 in 2016.

Ulverston Community Enterprises have identified a number of key outcomes from their running of the Coronation hall, Market Hall and markets including increased footfall in Ulverston town centre, revitalised markets and the whole town benefitting from an increase in visitors.

The community group also intends to “reimagine” the Coronation Hall venue as well as increase the number of community led ideas and projects being held at the venue.

Chair of Ulverston Community Enterprises, Judy Pickthall, said: “UCE would like to thank and congratulate South Lakeland District Council on taking a step towards trusting and investing in Ulverston and its communities to own and manage its own assets ‘for the common good’.’’

SLDC Leader Councillor Peter Thornton was pleased about the announcement saying that the sale would lead to the Hall getting “another chance”

Councillor Thornton said: “We have been really pleased to work with the people of Ulverston to find a solution that keeps the Coronation Hall open and functioning as a community building.

“The easy option here would have been to simply sell the Coronation Hall, but we didn’t take the easy option because we believe the Coronation Hall deserves another chance.’’

Councillor James Airey, shadow executive member for Innovation and Improvement, believes that while Ulverston Community Enterprises has its work cut out, it would be good for the community.

Councillor Airey said: “It is not going to be an easy ride, but this is a decent deal for Ulverston and for the council and it’s do-able if the people of Ulverston and other key partners work together.’’

Leader of the Labour group on the council, Ulverston East representative Councillor Mark Wilson, added: “The community wanted this to happen and this builds a valuable case for asset transfer, it is innovative and exciting and hopefully it will go from strength to strength.’’