Property firm helps group find new home

ECO IPS managing director Andrew Walker said: “East Bierley was a community desperate to hold onto and revive their sports association which had once been at the heart of the village.

“The asset transfer process can be long and complicated, but we successfully advised them on landlord and tenant issues, provided a facilities management strategy and oversaw the development of new changing facilities.”

The new community assets division of ECO IPS offers funding and bid assistance, advice on feasibility and compliance, help with new buildings and extensions, project management and asset transfer support.

It also offers the option to mobilise and run the facility for as long Coun Andrew Palfreeman (front, left), with ECO IPS managing director Andrew Walker, Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin, Kirklees council deputy leader Coun David Sheard, Lizzie Jones, of the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund and trustees of the East Bierley Community Sports Association at the opening of their new facility as needed and the opportunity to take back responsibility after the mandatory 12-month defects period.

Andy Redmond, of East Bierley Community Sports Association, said: “It felt like an overwhelming prospect when we decided to take the club from the council but with the support of Andrew and the team we were much more confident in what we were doing. They were with us every step of the way offering advice and support and still help us with fundraising and the club’s long-term strategy.”

ECO IPS, part of the Bellrock Group, employs more than 20 people from its offices in Leeds and covers property sectors including commercial, leisure, retail, healthcare and education.