GLASGOW’S St Enoch Centre has celebrated its 30th birthday by launching a new community space to thank shoppers for their loyalty over the past three decades.

The free community space will be available for groups for events and exhibitions, as well as providing a venue for public drop-in sessions.

Opened in 1989, the centre is one of the UK’s top shopping destinations, located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre.

The first group to use the space will be the Unexpected Artist, featuring more than 70 different artists, with the Pint of Science Exhibition which will run until tomorrow.

The space is located on level one next to Mothercare and is completely free to use.

Anne Ledgerwood, general manager of the St Enoch Centre, said: “We wanted to say thank you to the people of Glasgow for their loyalty and support and the launch of a community space felt the ideal way to show our appreciation.”

As part of its birthday ­celebrations, the centre has also announced its support for three local charities – Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Glasgow ­Children’s Hospital Charity and Simon Community Scotland.

Through the centres support for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, they will be assisting with the Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail as well as hosting the Toddle Waddle event in October to help the charity raise money to invest in equipment and research.

Kirsten Sinclair, chief ­operating officer at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to St Enoch Centre for their support for the charity and we’d like to take this opportunity to also thank their shoppers for their generosity.”

St Enoch Centre will also be providing support to Simon Community Scotland, a charity dedicated to combating homelessness.