Liverpool business turns empty halls into thriving community hubs

A Liverpool-based entrepreneur is transforming underused school halls, pitches and meeting rooms into vibrant community spaces – creating new income for schools and fresh opportunities for local people to connect, get active and thrive.

Founded by Shima Ami (pictured above), the Community Lettings Management Company (CLMC) is breathing life into spaces that once sat empty for hours at a time. From football and netball to performing arts and Sunday services, CLMC is proving that no space need go to waste.

Shima spotted a simple but powerful opportunity: many schools and organisations across Liverpool have facilities lying idle, while community groups struggle to find affordable places to meet and play. The challenge was unlocking that potential in a sector wary of commercial hire, compliance requirements and safeguarding responsibilities.

“Schools didn’t always see themselves as commercial operators,” says Shima. “There was potential, but unlocking it would take strategy, know-how and a bit of persistence.”

Having started his new business, Shima accessed support from Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Through workshops, mentoring and specialist advice, Shima refined his approach – learning how to pitch effectively to different decision-makers, strengthen his operations and sharpen his marketing.

“I went in with an open mind,” he says. “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.”

Support also helped CLMC navigate safeguarding, compliance and DBS requirements, giving schools confidence that every booking would be safe, smooth and professionally managed.

Today, CLMC manages a growing portfolio of spaces that are once again full of life. Schools benefit from new revenue streams and safer, supervised use of their facilities, while community groups gain access to affordable, local venues.

“Our customers range from football, volleyball and netball teams to a performing arts company and a church group using a hall for Sunday services,” Shima explains. “It’s about building community cohesion and making sure these spaces work for everyone.”

CLMC currently works with two long-term clients and is in discussions with a further four or five – with plans to grow locally and beyond, while keeping social impact at its core.

By linking spare space back to the community, CLMC is delivering tangible benefits:

•            Greater community access to sport, arts and activities

•            New income for schools from previously unused facilities

•            Stronger partnerships across education, business and community sectors

•            A clear growth plan rooted in social value

“I want to motivate our teachers – people in positions that can make the decisions for change – to offer more for the community. Giving people access is important for mental health; important for keeping fit and important for community cohesion. It’s a commercial avenue and it’s really impactful,” he says.

The service offers free, tailored advice for small and growing businesses, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. If your business is looking for support, visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/businesssupportservice.  

Cllr Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economy, said: “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.”