Move to breathe new life into Dalry Community Centre

Moves are under way to breathe new life into Dalry Community Centre.

The building, owned by the St John’s Town of Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT), has seen little usage in recent years.

But now a new steering group and management committee is determined to make the property become a busy social hub once again.

Immediate plans include a community consultation on how best to develop the facility with a view to securing its long term future.

The survey went live online this week and paper copies will be distributed across the Glenkens in the next few days.

Michele Owen, a member of the five-strong steering group, said: “There was a nursery using the community centre but they left and Covid stopped everything for a while.

“The trust then held a public meeting to decide next steps and at that meeting the majority wanted to keep the community centre so lots of people can use it.

“So we formed a steering group and a management committee to set the ball rolling.

“The management committee does the day to day running of it while the steering committee is in charge of funding, building work and renovation and the community consultation.”

Doubt has surrounded future use of the building since Covid disrupted social activities,

It has been under the ownership of DCPT since 2016 when the property was acquired from the council for £1.

Registered childminder Michele, 48, regards the upcoming consultation as vital to gauging local opinion on the best way forward.

She said: “We want people to let us know what they want and what they need. We will try and do what we can to support that.

“The community centre really is a massive space with two halls and a carpeted area so several different groups could use it at the same time.

“It is there for people to use and we will try to make it into what they want.

“It could be for artists workshops, local businesses, a meeting space or an events space.”

Groups currently using the community centre include the Good Neighbours Club, an after school club and a crafts group.

Meanwhile, Michele said the management committee would welcome extra bodies and interest from new user groups.

She said: “We know the community centre is not perfect yet,” Michele said.

“There’s a kitchen but no fridge and one of the toilets is out of use.

“Also the back room is being used by the Biosphere for storage.

“But they are going to be building their own structure.

“If anybody wants to join the management committee and has a group that wants to use the centre, or can offer resources or support, then please get in touch.”

Michelle can be contacted at [email protected] and management committee member Sarah McAdam at [email protected]

The community centre survey is available at tinyurl.com/Gkccc