New community centre opens in park as hub for grassroots projects
The well-being hub, based in Rouken Glen Park, is designed to support health, connection and sustainability through activities led by local groups.
Operated by The Community Hub—an initiative of Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire—the site will be open for the next four months under a pilot scheme to test its long-term potential.
Chat and Plant members hard at work (Image: Supplied) Ruth Gallagher, chief officer at Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, said: "Our Community Hub initiative will house East [[Renfrew]]shire Climate Action Hub, Velo World and many other third/community sector organisations interested in joining our collaboration.
"We will be testing and trying a variety of activities, including planting and growing community vegetables, health and wellbeing activities such as yoga as well as supporting the development of small local enterprises.
"Pop down and have a chat with the team; join in the fun and share your ideas."
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Located behind Rouken Glen Garden Centre on the former Young Enterprise Scotland site, the hub features greenhouses, growing areas, a commercial kitchen, office pods and an administrative building.
It is already home to groups including East Renfrewshire Climate Action Hub and Chat & Plant, with space available for additional organisations during the pilot phase.
The Community Hub will use the next four months to assess potential models for future revenue generation and sustainability.
Chat and Plant members hard at work (Image: Supplied) A review is planned for December, and if a strong business case is developed, the team will work with East Renfrewshire Council and other partners to establish a long-term vision for the site.
Micheal McKernan, economic development and inclusive growth manager at East Renfrewshire Council, said: "East Renfrewshire Council is delighted to be hosting The Community Hub.
"The work that they do is an integral part of our Community Planning Partnership's vision to reduce inequality across groups and communities in East Renfrewshire.
"The East Renfrewshire A Place to Grow sets out our shared hopes and aspirations between now and 2040 so that East Renfrewshire is a place where everyone can flourish, thrive and grow.
The commercial-grade kitchen at the facility (Image: Supplied) "We would encourage local groups to get in touch with The Community Hub to help them shape the future of their site at Rouken Glen."
Community groups are already seeing the benefits.
Sylvia McCandlish, a member of Chat & Plant, said: "The community well-being hub offers us a chance to experiment with food plants we have never dared to think about before and it gives us the confidence to create and be inventive.
"The hub also has the resources to allow us to expand the group.
The space features small office pods for use (Image: Supplied) "We use the larger greenhouse and one of the polytunnels but there are opportunities for others to come and set up shop.
"There are other polytunnels, there are the external areas as well, so it offers lots of chances for people to make this community space their home."
The hub is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10am to 2.30pm for those interested in visiting, sharing ideas or learning more about the project.
Organisations wishing to book space or get involved are encouraged to contact Ruth Gallagher at ruth.gallagher@va-er.org.uk.
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