Demolition work starts on old Chapelhall Senior Citizens Centre to make space for new community hub
Demolition work has started on the old Chapelhall Senior Citizens Centre - making space for a brand-new community hub in the heart of the village.
The project is being led by the Chapelhall Community Development Group, who plan to build a new two-storey centre that will offer activities and services based on local needs.
This follows the group's successful application to buy the land through a Community Asset Transfer - a process that lets community groups take over council-owned buildings or land.
Danny Murphy, group treasurer, said: "Getting the asset transfer was a huge achievement for us.
"It took a lot of effort, and we were thrilled when it was approved.
"This is the biggest project we've ever done, and it means a lot to everyone involved.
"Now we can start planning the build and applying for funding.
"The new hub will be open every day and give people a place to meet, helping bring the community together and supporting mental health.
"We hope the centre becomes something the whole community is proud of.
"We also want to expand the services we already offer, like our library partnership."
The group has a licence to occupy the nearby Chapelhall Library, where, among other things, they are delivering youth activities for hundreds of local youngsters.
Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of communities, welcomed the development, adding: "We are committed to empowering local people.
"This project in Chapelhall shows how communities can really benefit when they have more control over local facilities."
A Community Asset Transfer allows eligible community groups to apply for ownership, lease, or management of council-owned buildings or land.
The process is made possible under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires applicants to demonstrate strong governance, clear community benefits, and sustainable plans for the asset.
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The Chapelhall Community Development Group will build a new two-storey centre on the site of the old Chapelhall Senior Citizens Centre. The new centre will offer a range of services and activities based on the needs of local people. (Image: Supplied) The building of the new centre comes after the group successfully applied to buy the land through a Community Asset Transfer, which allows community groups to take over council-owned buildings or land. Danny Murphy, group treasurer, said: "Getting the asset transfer was a huge achievement for us. Read more: 'High risk' travel warning issued to anyone travelling to Spain "It took a lot of effort, and we were thrilled when it was approved. "This is the biggest project we've ever done, and it means a lot to everyone involved. "Now we can start planning the build and applying for funding. (Image: Supplied) "The new hub will be open every day and give people a place to meet, helping bring the community together and supporting mental health. "We hope the centre becomes something the whole community is proud of. "We also want to expand the services we already offer, like our library partnership." The group currently has a licence to occupy the nearby Chapelhall Library, where they deliver youth activities for hundreds of local young people in the area. Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of communities, said: "We are committed to empowering local people. "This project in Chapelhall shows how communities can really benefit when they have more control over local facilities." A Community Asset Transfer allows eligible community groups to apply for ownership, lease, or management of council-owned buildings or land. The process is made possible under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires applicants to demonstrate strong governance, clear community benefits, and sustainable plans for the asset. For more information on applying for a Community Asset Transfer, email nlccommunityownership@
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