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Much-loved community centre in Glasgow to have new operator

Much-loved community centre in Glasgow to have new operator

Glasgow Times13 hours ago
The Halliday Foundation, a Glasgow-based charity, has been named the preferred new operator for the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre in Dennistoun, following a competitive selection process led by Reidvale Housing Association (RHA).
The charity, known for its work tackling poverty, homelessness, and social isolation, delivers a range of community-led services, including food provision, wellbeing support, and employability programmes.
Denise Dempsey, chairperson at RHA, said: "This is a space that holds deep significance for the entire community, and reaching this important stage brings us closer to securing its long-term future.
Read more:
Do you know about Lanarkshire's music legends? This exhibition explains all
'We are now in active discussions with the Halliday Foundation and expect to finalise the agreement shortly.
'Throughout this process, we will ensure to keep tenants and stakeholders informed every step of the way.
'Crucially, the centre will remain open throughout, ensuring continued access for the groups and individuals who rely on it daily.'
RHA began reviewing the centre's future after it was found to be operating without a formal lease agreement.
The evaluation process considered financial resilience and the ability to deliver services tailored to the needs of the Dennistoun community.
Julie Smillie, interim director at RHA, said: "It's been a long journey, and we are confident the Halliday Foundation is the right organisation to take the centre forward and help it thrive.
"We truly believe the centre has a bright future ahead.
"It will continue to be that special place where people come together, whether it's for classes, community events, catching up with neighbours or just feeling part of something."
A formal agreement is expected to be finalised in July, with a handover period to follow.
The move forms part of RHA's wider 10-year strategic plan, which focuses on governance, service quality, and community empowerment.
Founded in 1975, Reidvale Housing Association is one of Scotland's oldest community-led housing bodies.
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