Liverpool business turns empty halls into thriving community hubs

An entrepreneur based in Liverpool is revitalizing underutilized school facilities—including halls, sports pitches, and meeting rooms—by converting them into dynamic community hubs. This initiative not only generates additional income for schools but also provides local residents with new opportunities to engage, stay active, and foster connections.

Shima Ami, the founder of the Community Lettings Management Company (CLMC), recognized the untapped potential of these idle spaces, which often remain vacant for extended periods. CLMC oversees various activities ranging from football and netball to performing arts rehearsals and church services on Sundays, demonstrating that such venues can be efficiently utilized without going unused.

Shima identified a clear need: many schools and organizations in Liverpool possess facilities that stand vacant, while community groups face challenges finding affordable and accessible venues. However, navigating this sector required overcoming concerns around commercial operations, adherence to compliance, and safeguarding. “Schools didn’t always see themselves as commercial operators,” Shima notes. “There was potential, but unlocking it would take strategy, know-how and a bit of persistence.”

After launching CLMC, Shima benefited from support provided by Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. This assistance included workshops, mentoring, and expert guidance, helping him refine his business strategy, improve his communication with decision-makers, and enhance marketing efforts. “I went in with an open mind,” Shima recalls. “I wanted to learn how things really work and what support was out there. The guidance helped me understand my audience and show schools that we’re solving a problem for them – generating income, managing compliance and creating real community impact.” Furthermore, the support enabled CLMC to effectively tackle safeguarding, compliance measures, and DBS requirements, reassuring schools about the safety and professionalism surrounding bookings.

Presently, CLMC manages a growing number of locations that are once again vibrant with activity. This model allows schools to create new revenue streams while ensuring their facilities are safely supervised during use. Meanwhile, local groups enjoy access to affordable spaces in their communities. As Shima explains, “Our customers range from football, volleyball and netball teams to a performing arts company and a church group using a hall for Sunday services. It’s about building community cohesion and making sure these spaces work for everyone.” The company is currently engaged with two long-term partners and is exploring further collaborations with multiple other organizations, with ambitions for local growth anchored firmly in social impact.

Cllr Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economy, expressed support for this approach, stating: “Liverpool City Council is proud to support innovative initiatives like CLMC that not only make better use of our community spaces, but also create real opportunities for local people. By working together, we can ensure our neighbourhoods thrive, bringing benefits to residents, schools, and organizations right across the city.”

Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More