homebaked clt: annual report 2023 chair’s report and an update on oakfield terrace I started last year’s report referencing some of the frustration felt by both the CLT and others with the delay in work starting on the terrace. I am pleased that in the last year we have taken significant steps toward this goal, including important legal processes which will allow us to retain control over the key elements of the scheme, which have been important since the initial design stages. We are hopeful that the final documents will be completed so work can start on site in the early part of 2024. Whilst the main building work has been delayed, we have continued work on the funding strategy to buy back Oakfield Terrace. It is a complicated picture, pulling together a number of different strands of funding that all need to align at roughly the same time, including launching a community share offer in the new year. However, we are optimistic that the CLT will be in a position to buy back the terrace once building works are complete. We are also progressing the application to become a Registered Provider of Social Housing, which is a key part of acquiring the terrace. With regards to 197-199 Oakfield Road; the first CLT developments within Oakfield Terrace, I’m pleased to share that the flat is fully occupied, offering a warm and affordable home to four people. We also continue to offer the commercial space to Homebaked Bakery at a social rent. As always it is important to say that the CLT is not just about the bricks and mortar of getting the terrace done. Over the last year we have continued to engage and support the local community through a programme of events and activities, including our seasonal fairs, local business network, and energy efficiency programme. It’s great to see the work of the CLT expand to really embody the full sense of ‘what it means to live well’ - staying true to the same aims we have had since day one. As I said last year, as an organisation the CLT likes a good challenge. We have a strong Board in place and with this firm foundation I am confident that we can continue this good work, and get the terrace done. As always, I need to thank Tom and Britt for the work and commitment they have provided to the CLT over the last year. My gratitude also goes to the Board for their continued work in support of the organisation. In particular, I would like to thank Leigh Crockett for the years of assistance he has provided in managing the shared residential flat. I should also thank Your Housing Group and Liverpool City Council for
continuing to support the redevelopment of the terrace. Again, without their support we would not be able to move forward. On a personal note, I stepped down as chair of the CLT at the AGM. I joined the Board in 2013 at a time when it seemed likely that the Council was going to acquire 197-199 Oakfield Road and knock it down, along with the rest of the terrace. The CLT were able to get the building excluded from this compulsory purchase order so that it gave a home for the bakery and, once we had redeveloped the first floor, a home for the four people who now live there. I then became Chair of the CLT in 2017 following the sad passing of John Sutcliffe, the previous Chair. After holding the role for more than six years I think it is now time to pass on the mantle. Andrew Beattie has kindly agreed to take on the role of Chair. He will be known to a great many of you, and I wish him well in his role in the future. I will continue as a Board member for a further year in order to see out the start of work on the terrace. There are many challenges ahead for the CLT but with the commitment of the people involved I am confident that it will be successful in achieving its aims and that, in a year or so’s time, there will be people leading good lives in the redeveloped terrace and new businesses thriving in the commercial spaces. Ralph Bullivant, departing Chair