Campaigners face an anxious wait to find out if their battle to rescue a valued hub at the heart of one of Glasgow’s most deprived areas has been successful.
Members of the Save Ruchill Community Centre group say they are 'full of hope’ that the much-loved building will be safeguarded after it was nominated for possible lifeline funding.
The Glasgow Times understands the facility is being considered for cash to cover repair bills within the 2023/24 £1.1m budget set aside to reopen Glasgow Life community venues.
The proposal will be considered by the council’s City Administration Committee next week.
Paula Dixon, who has been at the centre of the fight to reopen the building, said: “We are over the moon to finally hear that Ruchill Community Centre is on Glasgow Life's list of possible buildings that it wants to save
“It’s great news, but we are not out of the woods yet. We still need the funding to be rubber-stamped to free up the money which will allow vital repairs to be carried out.
“The building has fallen into a state of disrepair and needs a new boiler, among other things. Everyone in the area is hoping that Glasgow Life does the right thing so we can get working on what needs to be done to get our centre open once more.
“It’s a lifeline to so many in Ruchill. People here are desperate to see the doors open again.”
According to documents seen by the Glasgow Times, around £262,000 is needed to bring the building up to an acceptable standard.
The centre on Bilsland Drive has been shut since March 2020, when it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It has been haunted by the spectre of permanent closure ever since, fuelled when campaigners were told a private residential developer had expressed an interest in the site.
For the past two years, campaigners have held weekly protests in a bid to pressure Glasgow Life into reopening, supported by Labour councillors Robert Mooney and Fiona Higgins.
Councillor Mooney said: “This is much-loved centre that held a full timetable of events and programmes before its closure. It’s a hugely important part of this community and its closure because of a costly repair bill has been intolerable for those who rely on its services.
“Tireless campaigning by locals to protect this site is hopefully on the brink of paying off. I’m hopeful the funding will be approved and the centre reopened for the people of Ruchill.”
Councillor Higgins added: “I am absolutely delighted that following the tireless and passionate campaigning of the Ruchill community, Glasgow Life has proposed its reopening. I’m so proud to continue to stand with those in this area who have fought so hard for this.”
Ruchill activist Paula says she fears those struggling with the cost of living and fuel bills will have nowhere to turn for vital support over the winter if the centre's doors remain shut. She is calling for the repairs to be made a priority to allow the building to double as a warm hub and food bank.
She explained: “This is the only community facility in Ruchill, which is one of the poorest parts of the city.
“We need it open sooner rather than later in order to support those struggling to cope at what is going to be a very difficult time.
“A lot of people in this community will have to choose between heating and eating this winter. We’d like to see the doors open soon so that we can provide a warm haven for those in need.
“It’s crucial the pressure continues and we won’t stop until we are back inside. We are thrilled our pleas are finally being heard but we need the funds approved as soon as possible.
“This just goes to show that people power really can make a difference. Ruchill has stood together on this issue as it is something the people really believe in."
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow City Council’s budget for this year included £1.1m for the reopening of community facilities and Glasgow Life has developed options to use this to be considered by the council’s City Administration Committee next week.
"The paper presents options and timescales to councillors which would see more of Glasgow’s community facilities reopen and was developed following consultation with previous let holders, local people and community groups.
"Among the options is a proposal for investment in Ruchill Community Centre to allow it to reopen next year alongside a proposal to open eight community facilities as soon as possible.”
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