FOR THE COMMUNITY, WITH THE COMMUNITY, BUY THE UMBRELLA CENTRE

For over 30 years, The Whitstable Umbrella Centre has been at the heart of the town, opening its doors to all. Now, with the Council offering the charity the opportunity to buy the building, Whitstable has the chance to own a centre to be run for its community, by its community, and keep its doors open for generations to come.

The Umbrella Centre currently provides the town with a range of community events. From yoga and art classes, to Rumble Wrestling and charity concerts. We are here for all ages and interests. By owning the centre, we will not only be able to continue to deliver our current activities but we will be able to invest in Whitstable’s future too. It will also give us the financial freedom to continue facilitating our crucial support projects such as the Canterbury Food Bank and Citizens’ Advice, ensuring everyone in the community has access to a helping hand if needed.

Owning the centre will put the building safely into the hands of its community, ensuring it remains true to its equitable purpose of being a place for the whole of Whitstable.

To do this we need your help. Please donate what you can to help us make this historic investment into the town’s future.

For those able to donate £50 or more you will receive an invite to our special celebration party featuring buffet food from a locally renowned chef and live music provided by a brilliant local band*

For those able to donate £100 or more you will receive a voucher for a free birthday booking hire in the St Mary’s Hall, subject to availability.

For those who are able to donate £500 upwards , your name will appear on a new stone laid in the entrance of St Mary’s Hall, commemorating this wonderful community achievement.

*Date TBC and the party will be dependent on the success of the purchase. £50 will be a per person donation for party access.

Why now?

• With the negotiation of our new 20 year lease, we were successful in adding the option to purchase the freehold from Canterbury City Council. This had never before been an option up until now.

What do we need to raise?

• We estimate it will cost £150,000 to purchase the freehold from the council, as the property has a covenant and provides a social benefit.

• We estimate we need £225,000 to bring the building up to good repair.

• We would like to raise a further £125,000 for upgrades making the building more accessible, sustainable and green. Bringing the total to £500,000.

What will it mean?

• Well to kick things off, everything that we have delivered over past years will continue to be facilitated at the Centre. From Art Class to Rumble Wrestling, the subsidised community café, the markets and the co-working space will all still be here, come rain or shine. In fact, this will give us the financial freedom to further support activities at the Centre which have a community benefit, such as Citizens Advice and Canterbury Food Bank.

In addition to our regular programme, over the last 3 years we have been working on a new project "Soundhouse Whitstable" to make music and facilities more available to all, with help from the Arts Council.

This will include an equipped rehearsal studio and recording room. Stage, sound and lighting equipment for live events as well as a comfortable place for aspiring artists to regularly hang out, connect and express their art here in the town.

• In 5 years’ time, we would like to see ourselves thriving. To say we are financially stable and in a position to offer more to our community.

This might look like:

The Garden Café project being open and available for extended durations, to better serve our community. Including evenings, weekends and special occasions.

Having state of the art creative facilities, mentors and workshops available to all.

Offering our spaces and support at further reduced hire rates, to enable more community projects and start ups increasing the range of services and activities in Whitstable.

Creating small grants for local groups to apply for, enabling more people in the community to launch projects, activities and events.

The Umbrella team all thank you for your support.

Q&A

Why do the Council want to sell the building?

- We cannot speak for the council, the Trustees of the Umbrella Centre requested that the option to purchase the freehold be included in our new 20 year lease, as per a priority in our strategic plan 2023-26 which can be found on our website under "Reports and Policies".

What would it mean for Whitstable Umbrella Centre if the charity owned the building?

- Owning the building would mean that a large portion of the charities fundraising efforts could be redirected to maintaining the facility for the town. Further supporting the community by way of subsidised hire and creating a space with more financial freedom, to listen and respond to the needs and wants of our community.

What are the projected outgoing that would be offset against the rent savings?

- Year by year due to the climate of the charity sector, we have been running at a loss. The grant funding pool is over subscribed and the general success rate of grant applications has reduced. We have had to diversify and increase our fundraising efforts to remain sustainable over these past few years. The volunteers and staff at the Umbrella Centre have been working extremely hard shift the charity onto a more sound financial footing, battling forecast closure each year. Our largest expenses are Rent, Maintenance, Salaries and Utilities. Our latest set of accounts can be found at https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04290447/filing-history

When will the latest set of accounts year ending 2024 be available to view?

- The latest set of accounts are prepared and awaiting signing, these will be available once the Trustees are able to confirm the Centre is a going concern. They will then be sent to companies house.

Why do last years accounts show that the current rent is less than £25,000?

- Our new rent of £25,000 had only been signed off in 2024. We then received an invoice this year for the arrears which has been paid. Additionally we are supported by Canterbury City Council and do receive a rent concession for the work we do in the community. Rent concessions are offered on a case by case basis with no guarantee the Centre will be eligible in 2026.

This Q&A will be updated in direct response to the queries raised by the community.