The Pie Factory in Ramsgate faces ‘crunch time’ as Kent County Council rejects bids to buy building

by Simon Finlay, Local Democracy Reporter

A youth charity is facing “crunch time” after two bids to buy its premises from the council failed.

Pie Factory Music launched a fundraiser to purchase Ramsgate Youth Centre last year, after learning Kent County Council (KCC) is selling the property, as the authority works towards shaving tens of millions from its annual budget.

Pie Factory Music members say it is 'crunch time' for the charity, based at Ramsgate Youth Centre, as KCC sells the building off. Picture: Pie Factory Music

The centre, in the High Street, has ‘asset of community value’ (ACV) status which allows users to prepare a proposal and raise funds before a sale, but so far two offers by the charity have been rejected.

Zoë Carassik, CEO of Pie Factory Music, which supports vulnerable youngsters through creative projects, music and counselling, says she is yet to receive a “clear rationale” behind the decisions.

She explains: “This is crunch time for us. If we don’t secure this building for our continued use, there will be no dedicated youth centre in Thanet for vulnerable young people to turn to, at a time when they need it the most.

“We have worked closely with our solicitors to present two fair and sound offers of purchase, following our own valuation of the building and conducting the due process in line with KCC’s requirements.”

KCC hopes to save nearly £1m by removing funding streams from outside bodies which run certain services and take them in-house.

Vocalists during a Pie Factory Music session. Picture: Steve Kreeger

The authority argues that youth services will be provided across the county at various family hubs and it expects the sale of the high street building to go towards “operational services”.

However Ms Carassik said: “Without intervention, the community risks losing a vital youth centre that has served young people since 1969 and leaving Pie without a dedicated base.

“We need our local community’s urgent support to advocate for the preservation of Ramsgate Youth Centre for future generations. If enough people speak out, KCC will have to listen.”

A KCC spokesperson said: “It has been well documented that KCC needs to find an estimated £118million of savings this year to balance the budget and protect statutory services in the future.

“Following the decision not to renew commissioned youth services contracts last year, the Ramsgate Youth Centre is no longer required to support the delivery of youth Services. KCC’s youth services are delivered via the Council’s family hubs across the county.

Zoe Caarrasik says Pie Factory Music is yet to receive a ‘clear rationale’ from KCC over the decision to reject their bids so far

“Given this, we will be progressing with the sale of the property in line with our normal processes for an asset of community value – which it is listed as.

“While this process allows time for community groups including the Pie Factory to raise funds and develop proposals, it does not obligate KCC to accept any proposal made. As the Pie Factory is aware, KCC has a duty to ensure it meets its financial, legal and statutory responsibilities as part of any sale in the interest of Kent Taxpayers.

“KCC will adhere to the ACV timescales and is committed to ensuring an open and transparent process. As part of this, along with others, the Pie Factory will be able to express an interest in the property at the appropriate time. It is expected that the proceeds from any sale will be reinvested to support the Council’s operational services.’’