Plans to build and refurbish three new community hubs in Leith, Inverclyde and North Lanarkshire have been bolstered by a £2.2 million National Lottery cash boost.
The three projects, funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Assets programme, are part of a wider package of grants, totalling £5 million, to 21 groups across the country (see a full list of awards in your area)
Plans to redevelop and return ownership of a popular community hub in Leith to local people have received a welcome cash boost of £425,270. Duncan Place SCIO (artist’s impression, above) will use the funding to help complete the fit out and support start-up costs of the redeveloped Duncan Place building.
Nicola Lamberton, fundraiser for Duncan Place SCIO, said: “We are delighted with this award, which is the last piece of our funding jigsaw and means that it will now be possible to re-open a revitalised and renewed community resource in Leith, with a target of late 2019.
“Under community ownership and management, the new Duncan Place hub will provide an accessible, unique, and thriving community space focused on health and well-being, hosting a fantastic range of inclusive activities and events. It will also make business and studio space available to social enterprises; local artists and charitable organisations. This mix reflects the feedback we got from extensive community consultation, the needs of our diverse locality and our determination to ensure this will be a sustainable community hub, here to support future generations of Leithers.”
In North Lanarkshire, Glenboig Development Trust receives £800,000 to redevelop and extend its existing outgrown community centre to create a multi-purpose facility for the whole community. Once completed, the building will house a large sports hall, Post Office, a general store and food co-op, training kitchen, café and a gym.
Teresa Aitken of Glenboig Development Trust, said: “This award will enable us to realise our vision of the development of a ‘Life Centre’ owned by the community, for the community, bringing all ages together in an inclusive, flexible, multi-use space. The new centre will support, develop and promote opportunities for social recreation, sport, leisure, learning, employability, volunteering and much, much more.
“This rural community has, at present, no focal hub where families can come together to enjoy leisure time, take part in activities, services or functions together which suits all ages. Thanks to this National Lottery award, our community will be able to come together and forge strong links, reducing social isolation and strengthening community spirit in a centre that is fit for purpose.”
In Greenock, Craigend Resource Centre receives £950,000 to replace their existing ageing, but popular, community centre with a vibrant new community hub. The new centre will bring people together around a range of resources such as a community café; training kitchen, information and advice services; IT training suite; crèche and a flexible space for meetings, events and exercise classes.
Brian Power, Project co ordinator, Craigend Resource Centre, said: “Through the hard work and determination of our board, past and present, and with the support of Inverclyde Council and other partner agencies we will further develop this voluntary led project and continue its vital work, which has made it one of the best community projects in Inverclyde.
“The new facility will help us to develop our work with the local community, in particular the elderly, children and young people and those who are especially vulnerable by creating opportunities which will enhance their quality of life. The project will also build the community’s capacity to respond to needs, opportunities and issues, and provide opportunities for personal development.”
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: “Congratulations to the 21 groups across Scotland, which are today benefitting from the generosity of National Lottery players.
“Amongst these are three new community hubs which will help local people to address specific inequalities or disadvantages by owning and running their own assets. Bringing people together around a space or place is an important driver in regenerating and revitalising communities, building on the strengths and skills of people in those communities facing disadvantage and leaving a lasting legacy.”
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