WIREDGOV

Plans to build and refurbish three new community hubs for local people in Edinburgh, Inverclyde and North Lanarkshire have today (WEDNESDAY 18 JULY) 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)

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.”

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 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 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.”

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1458
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGSCOTLAND #BIGScotland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• The Big Lottery Fund Scotland is focussed on helping people and communities most in need throughout Scotland through its five-year £250m funding scheme as well as small grants scheme National Lottery Awards for All Scotland.
• Since March 2007 Big Lottery Fund Scotland has taken devolved decisions on National Lottery spending, the Committee, led by Chair, Maureen McGinn plays a strategic role in the future direction of the Fund in Scotland.
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects across the UK that change the lives of millions of people. Every year we fund 13,000 small local projects tackling big social problems like poor mental health and homelessness.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £37 billion has been raised and more than 520 grants awarded.