A new long-awaited £1.5million community centre has been unveiled to the delight of residents in Old Bonhill.
An open evening was held at Dalmonach Community Centre on Wednesday evening last week, giving people the chance to have a look round the new facility.
The opening comes almost six years since the original building was forced to close following serious damage to its flat roof.
Councillor Ian Dickson said: “It was great to visit the recently opened Dalmonach Community Centre at its open night
event.
“It’s been available for bookings for a little while now and I look forward to having a proper opening ceremony when this can be arranged.
“Everyone present agreed how excellent the multi-use facility is, it’s a really great asset for the community.
“The early learning centre extension within the new community facility has created additional space for children to explore and learn through play, both indoors and outdoors with children having access to specially-created areas to promote independence, curiosity, problem solving and discovery.
“The additional outdoor space also promotes learning through play and increases the opportunity for free flow access to outdoor learning.”
The original building was more than 30 years old and was operated on behalf of the council by West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust.
After it closed, groups which used the facility were provided with alternative accommodation as they awaited their new centre.
There was more uncertainty after building works were thrown into jeopardy in March last year when a construction firm went into liquidation.
Major works were still needed to clear the site and questions surrounded how and when the centre will be completed – with in-house council builders later completing it.
The building of Dalmonach Early Learning and Childcare Centre was also affected, which is now open.
The new community centre recently began accepting group bookings, with more residents and local organisations expected to start using the
facility.
