A HELENSBURGH community group has completed its purchase of a vital town asset to save it from closure, bringing to an end a “rollercoaster” buyout process.
The takeover of the Red Cross hall in East Princes Street, by Helensburgh Community Hall Ltd (HCH), was made official on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in the lengthy battle to save the building for future use.
The handover signifies the successful conclusion of almost two years’ worth of negotiations – undertaken by a steering group of volunteer representatives and members of local charity and community groups - which began when the British Red Cross announced its intention to sell the building in April 2019.
READ MORE: Joy for Helensburgh community group as £160k funding secures hall buy-out
As reported exclusively in the Advertiser at the time, the news was greeted with shock by the groups who use the hall, including the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Mobility Aids Service, as well as local Red Cross members.
Following the successful community buyout, aided by a grant from the Scottish Land Fund covering 95 per cent of the purchase price, as well as a £41,000 award from Argyll and Bute’s town centre capital fund, focus is now shifting towards the creation of a multi-use hub to benefit the whole area.
HCH chair and local councillor, Lorna Douglas, said: “I am delighted that Helensburgh Community Hall Ltd has saved this great community asset.
“It has been a real rollercoaster of a process, but the sheer determination and commitment of our committee got us there in the end.
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“We have been greatly encouraged by the support and goodwill of the community, our members, and other organisations throughout this process. It has meant so much to us.
“Our focus and energy must now be channelled into getting this great space up and running at full capacity. Exciting times ahead in 2021!”
An extensive community consultation, carried out earlier this year, identified a need and demand for a community space to tackle social isolation and exclusion, and to improve community resilience, health, and wellbeing.
The hub aims to become financially self-sustaining, initially via office space rental and hall hire.
Though an official opening date is yet to be set, HCH members are confident the hall will open its doors to – and continue its collaboration with - the local community in early 2021.
Mary McGinley, chair of the food bank, said: “We’re so pleased that we can continue to offer a drop-in food bank for anyone in our community experiencing food insecurity.
READ MORE: Sharp rise in first-time users at Helensburgh and Lomond's food bank
“We’re grateful to the trustees and its members who supported the effort to save the hall, and are looking forward to working with everyone to make the hub a respectful and supportive space for everyone.”
The development of the office and hall space will take priority to ensure an initial income, while funding has been secured for six months, and applications received, for a hub development manager.
The nine-strong group of HCH directors and trustees, as well as the secretary and treasurer, are keen to expand the hub’s membership, which already stands at 122 local residents.
Ordinary and junior membership is free and open to anyone who lives in the Helensburgh Community Council area, while associate membership is open to all others.
For more information email helensburghcommunityhall@gmail.com or visit helensburghcommunityhub.org.
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