Published 03 November 2023
A community centre in Duntocher will be transformed for the benefit of the community after a lease agreement was approved this week.
Glenhead Community Centre was one of seven community facilities under review as part of steps to address significant financial challenges faced by the Council.
Following engagement with community groups on the centre, a note of interest was submitted by the team running the nearby Antonine Centre.
Yesterday at a meeting of the Council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development committee, it was agreed they would take on full responsibility for running Glenhead on a 33 year lease.
The new lease will see the provision of existing services maintained as well as new services introduced within the Duntocher community by refurbishing Glenhead and creating a community nursery, low-cost healthy café and indoor activity play centre.
The library service will continue to be provided at Glenhead.
The new tenant will work with the current users to accommodate them either within the facility or in alternative facilities. Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development said: “I welcome this move to secure Glenhead and I thank the Antonine Sports Centre for their efforts to ensure it continues to be available for the community of Duntocher.
“This is an excellent outcome for all involved and will ensure that between Glenhead Community Centre and the Antonine Sports Centre, a range of different activities and services will continue to be available in the area.
“Many will remember that the reason this is happening is because of the severe financial pressure West Dunbartonshire Council is under and so I am extremely pleased with this result which has allowed us to retain services and save jobs.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “I very much welcome this decision and thank the Antonine Sports Centre for coming forward to ensure that the people of Duntocher continue to benefit from the Glenhead Community Centre. This shows the level of commitment the Trust has in the community and I was absolutely delighted to agree to this new lease.”