Glasgow councillors are being asked to back plans to offer a long-term lease to a charity hoping to develop a “community village” in Springburn Park.
Friends of Springburn Park would offer a range of activities for nearby residents in a former council depot, including art, music and drama performances.
A report by Richard Brown, Glasgow City Council’s Executive Director of Regeneration and the Economy, recommends councillors grant permission for a £250 per year lease, running for 20 years.
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“Friends of Springburn Park (FOSP) is currently in occupation on a temporary basis,” he said. “It has a number of initiatives to use this former parks depot and now wish to secure their occupation by entering into a 20 year lease.
“This will also enable them to source additional external funding.
“The intention is to establish a multi-use community village facilitating a number of regular events individually and at the request of groups in the community.”
The charity will work with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Countryside Rangers to hold a number of events, including an annual Foraging Festival.
It has also registered with the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, a meeting place for men who want to socialise and build, repair or up-cycle items. Currently, 18 people, including three women, have signed up.
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Springburn Park Community Village Auditorium, which is led by the vice chair of FOSP, is looking to develop a programme of arts performances to take place in the shed.
A portacabin in the village currently houses Barlornock Uniform Bank, a place where people can exchange school uniforms, while an outdoor classroom has also been built.
Mr Brown’s report states: “This is not an educational resource but rather a community resource that will be used by a large variety of groups.”
It reveals £10,000 of Big Lottery funding has been secured to run a number of events, with initial proposals including a Harry Potter day and a Disney day.
A weekly reading session for teenagers and younger people has also been set up.
‘Stranger Games’, a group of young people who play board games, have become involved in the development of the village. They are planning to hold live action role playing games in the park.
Councillors on the city’s Contracts and Property Committee will make a decision on the plans on Thursday.
If agreed, the Council would be able to review the rent at the end of each fifth year of the lease.
