University proposes new social enterprise scheme for Corby
Published Monday 7th February 2011
A proposal submitted to Northamptonshire County Council today by The University of Northampton (3/02/2011) could see the Danesholme library building in Corby remain open with access for the public.
Danesholme library building in Corby was proposed to close on 31 March following Council cutbacks.
Danesholme library is at risk of closure as part of the County Council's budget review proposals, but the University hopes to take over the building as a base for a new and unique role - 'Social Entrepreneur in Residence for Corby'.
Social enterprise is at the heart of The University of Northampton's new strategy and this latest proposal would see the creation of the UK's first dedicated social entrepreneur in residence, working with local people in the Danesholme area to identify and deliver new community services as social enterprises.
Simon Denny, Social Enterprise Development Director at The University of Northampton, explains: "Social enterprise is all about developing self-funding and sustainable business activities that the community want. In the case of the Danesholme library building, we will be consulting with the local community, borough councillors and other representatives as to what they want in the building that will meet Corby's needs.
"This might, for example, mean an independently run library, funded by a cafe. Other ideas being considered include a job club, a computer learning centre, a social enterprise business start-up site, or even a play area for children during out of school hours or during holidays."
Simon continues: "Whatever the result might be we hope to have a new social enterprise function for the building up and running by 1 April, when the University officially takes ownership of the site. We will also be open on a 9-5 basis, and by the end of the year could even be operating 24/7 if demand for the new services requires it."