A refurbished and upgraded community centre in Rutherglen has opened its doors to local people.
Residents from the Springhall area were heavily involved in the planning and development of the £1m project; and the transformed centre now offers a new inviting entrance area with reception desk which leads into a community hall, meeting and training facilities, IT suite and a library.
A full community-led programme of activities for children and adults will also be available, along with a new and exciting digital support programme which will offer the community access to Wi-Fi, the internet and the opportunity to see the latest 3D technology.
Additionally, the project has converted the area to the side of the building into various zones; a labyrinth paving area with stone sculpture and ladybird bench, a grassed apple orchard complimenting perennial and shrub beds and brightly coloured planters with herbs, an area with children’s colourful playground games artwork and funky snake bench, a removeable seating area and a bench and totem pole on the quieter library side.
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s community and enterprise resources committee, Councillor John Anderson, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to witness first-hand the remarkable transformation of this building into a welcoming community space for everyone.
“This was an innovative solution to develop a public asset, support economic growth and facilitate joint working, as well as the development of integrated flexible training, learning and community facilities which will support economic and social regeneration.
“It will be a fantastic asset for people from the local area to enjoy.”
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) staff will run the centre on behalf of the community.
Chair of the SLLC board, Councillor Peter Craig, said: “I know from speaking to staff that they are bursting with pride and can’t wait until the new centre is bustling with activity once again.
“This is a perfect example of working with our communities to deliver exactly what they want.”
The project was funded by South Lanarkshire Council with a £300,000 contribution from Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
The community hall and library refurbishment is a key priority in the Our Place Our Plan Neighbourhood Plan which, by bringing all community planning partners and the local community together, has set out residents’ priorities in the Springhall and Whitlawburn area over the next 10 years.
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