Renovation work has started on the former Rowans Hall in Blantyre, following a community asset transfer to Blantyre Soccer Academy.
The football outfit secured the transfer of the vacant hall and surrounding land, at Birch Place, from South Lanarkshire Council for just £1 back in November 2018 and finally took possession of the hall two weeks ago.
And the renovation work has begun following a working partnership with South Lanarkshire College, who have agreed to provide some of their students to help with the internal restoration.
James Martin, associate principal at South Lanarkshire College, said: “This a great opportunity for our students to experience site works instead of being in a workshop or classroom.
“We look forward to working with Blantyre Soccer Academy on their Rowans Hall project.”
Back in October, the academy were dealt a huge blow when the asset transfer was delayed after concerns were raised that the proposal failed to include any safeguards to ensure it stayed in community use in the long term. However, that condition was soon put in place.
Blantyre Soccer Academy chairman Jimmy Whelan told the Advertiser: “We were delighted that the decision was made to grant Blantyre Soccer Academy an asset transfer of the Rowans Hall under the new community empowerment act.
“It was a long, arduous process but we got there in the end, and we are delighted for not only the academy but also for the entire Blantyre community.”
The academy’s proposal, that will see them relocate from their current unit on Calder Street, Blantyre, includes diversifying the range of services they deliver by using the facility as a community hub. Their business plan identifies around £70,000 expenditure on immediate repairs as well as £50,000 for an extension to the building.
