Extra cash earmarked for community centre

Aug 28 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

Extra cash earmarked for community centre

PLANS to develop a new community facility in Stonehouse moved a step closer yesterday (Wednesday).

South Lanarkshire Council’s executive committee approved the proposal and allocated an extra £2.330m funding for the project.

Provided that the scheme clears the final hurdles, a £6.675m ‘integrated community facility’ will be built on the undeveloped ground adjacent to Udston Mill Road.

However, construction is unlikely to commence until 2010 or 2011.

Plans to replace the Institute and Public Hall with a new community centre were first proposed in 2005.

Council’s community resources chiefs wanted to house the facility in an extension to Stonehouse Primary School, but this was deemed unsuitable by villagers.

An opportunity then arose to consider a joint development with Larkhall Resource Centre, which was due to be replaced.

The centre was opened in 1980 and caters for the needs of adults with learning disabilities. It also has facilities for those with physical and mental health problems.

A total of £1.6m was allocated to the community centre development in Stonehouse, and £2.769m was put aside to replace Larkhall resource centre, creating a joint budget of £4.337m.

Designs have now been amended to include specific areas to support the daycare services as well as the lets from the Institute and Public Hall, and the cost came to £6.675m.

A number of day-care facilities are outlined in the plans for the development, including a multi-sensory room, arts and craft room, personnel care and group rooms.

Also included in the plans are meeting room facilities, a main hall with permanent stage, a lesser hall, a cafe and dining facilities.

Conservative councillor for Avondale and Stonehouse, Graeme Campbell, said: “I think a new community centre is a necessity for Stonehouse and will prove a great facility for the community.”

A council spokesman said: “The next step will be to carry out further consultations with users and local members.

“The development will also be subject to the usual planning procedures, and planning consent for the designs must be secured before work can go ahead.”

George Smith, chairman of Stonehouse Community Council, said: “Although I am glad the funding has been approved, I am disappointed that there will be another three years’ wait before the centre is built.”