A Baillieston charity is set to take over the running of Garrowhill Community Centre which has been closed since the covid pandemic struck.
Councillors have agreed talks can begin with Brighter Baillieston over a lease for the centre, with the charity planning to expand on its current activities.
The building sits next to newly refurbished tennis courts in Garrowhill Park and two Baillieston councillors hope the charity will be able to offer tennis to children who might not have been able to afford to play.
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A lease for the centre is being progressed under the People Make Glasgow Communities programme, a scheme which allows community groups and third sector organisations express an interest in managing council venues.
Garrowhill Community Centre, built in 1960, extended in 1987 and refurbished in 2013, has been closed since the beginning of the covid pandemic in 2020.
Currently, Glasgow Life, the council’s culture and leisure arm, has a 25-year lease for the Maxwell Drive building, which started in 2007. Brighter Baillieston is based in the local police station which it has said is “too small” to deliver the range of services requested.
Cllr Kevin Lalley, Labour, who represents Baillieston, said the charity was “super excited” about the potential lease.
“I live in the ward, I see the good work that Brighter Baillieston carry out,” he added. “It’s right next to the brand new tennis courts that are proving a great success.
“This is a great opportunity for Brighter Baillieston to maybe be in control of giving tennis rackets out to children who maybe can’t afford them at £40/£50 a time, which is a great idea.”
Cllr Lalley added: “Garrowhil was a great facility. I used it on many occasions. It’s not going to ruin but through the pandemic and other circumstances, Garrowhill, Baillieston, Swinton, the communities are struggling for places to have.”
After the meeting, Alex Kerr, SNP councillor for the Bailliseton ward, said: “This comes as part of our commitment as Glasgow’s council administration to support communities taking greater ownership of local venues.
“This proposal will bring the centre back into use for residents, open up new avenues of funding to Brighter Baillieston and provide volunteering opportunities for the area.”
Brighter Baillieston’s proposals for the site include reducing isolation, building strong working relationships with other local groups and providing volunteering opportunities for people in the area.
It would build on its current services which include youth diversionary activities, giving children a safe space to gather, play and learn, and workshops for local people. New activities proposed include music lessons and life skill classes, such as first aid.
Cllr Kerr sent a supporting letter to the contracts and property committee which said the charity is a “fantastic organisation” and an “ideal group” to run the centre.
“I also believe there is an opportunity for this proposal to support the new Glasgow Life tennis courts in Garrowhil Park,” he said. “Currently the tennis courts are free to book but also require users to bring along their own tennis equipment.
“I would be keen to investigate the potential for the centre to offer some form of hire of tennis equipment.”
The charity is seeking funding for a centre coordinator, caretaker/janitor, cleaners and seasonal workers. A council official said it was possible a short-term licence to occupy could be agreed and Brighter Baillieston could be in the building “hopefully earlier in the new year”.
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council’s convener for neighbourhood assets, said: “The proposals being put forward for Garrowhill Community Centre will enable a community-led organisation to reopen and run this important local asset, allowing them to access funding and support to build on the excellent work they already do here.
“The people of the area can look forward to a revitalised facility that will provide activities and services for all parts of the community.”
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