Glasgow Life give green light for reopening of Ruchill Community Centre

Members of the Save Ruchill Community Centre group say they are 'delighted’ that the much-loved building is finally safe after being given £262,000 to overhaul the property and bring it back into use.

The centre on Bilsland Drive has been shut since March 2020, when it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The failure to reopen it as restrictions eased sparked a gutsy campaign supported by Labour politicians Robert Mooney, Fiona Higgins and Paul Sweeney to have it reinstated.

The group's plight also received the backing of the Glasgow Times' Save Our Venues campaign.

The fight has continued for two years and involved weekly protests in a bid to pressure Glasgow Life into a performing a u-turn.

Activist Paula Dixon has been at the heart of the fight to revive the centre and hailed the news as a victory for people power.

Paula Dixon with campaigners (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “We are thrilled to bits the funding has finally been approved and it just shows that determination, hard work and a refusal to take no for an answer can pay off.

“It’s been an incredible team effort and I’d also like to thank the Glasgow Times for their fantastic support all the way through our campaign. The title has helped to give us a platform and a voice and we are really grateful for that backing.

“It’s a huge relief to have the funding rubber-stamped and now we can get on with repairing the centre and reopening it as soon as possible.

“It is a lifeline to so many people in Ruchill. People here have been desperate to see the doors open again and now we can finally declare victory."

We previously told how Glasgow City Council’s budget for this year included £1.1m for the reopening of community facilities, and Glasgow Life put forward a proposal for Ruchill which has now been approved by the council’s city administration committee.

Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Mooney said: “This is fantastic news and tireless campaigning by locals to protect the site has paid off.

"I’ve supported this campaign from the beginning - this news will be so well received in the area. The centre is the heartbeat of Ruchill and it was vital to get it back in use."

MSP Sweeney added: “The announcement is long overdue for local people in the Save Ruchill Community Centre group who have campaigned relentlessly in recent months to send a message to Glasgow City Council that they would not stand by while the centre was closed." 

Councillor Higgins stated: “I am absolutely delighted that following the passionate campaigning of the Ruchill community, Glasgow Life has given the go-ahead for the centre's reopening. I’m so proud to continue to stand with those in this area who have fought so hard for this.”

Paula said those struggling with the cost of living and rising fuel bills need vital support, so is calling for the building to reopen as soon as possible.

She said: "This is why this decision is so important. The community centre here is much more than a place for people and clubs to meet, it is a vital resource in every sense. If we can get the repairs done as a priority, it can double as a warm hub and a food bank for the vulnerable at the most difficult time of year for many.

"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 as soon as possible so that we can provide a haven for those in need."

Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Glasgow Labour culture spokesperson Patricia Ferguson also welcomed the news.

She said: "I am delighted that after a hard-fought community campaign by residents, the trade union movement and local councillors, Ruchill Community Centre will be refurbished."

The local authority meeting also gave the green light for venues including the Couper Institute and Pollokshields Community Centre to be reopened.