Work begins on new £1m community hub
WORK to create a new £1million community hub for East Renfrewshire’s older people is underway.
The Retail Trust is refurbishing three disused spaces at Crookfur House, within its Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate, to provide more support for those most at risk of isolation and with long-term health needs.
The charity’s community cafe and reception area are also being upgraded as part of the project and, once completed later this year, it will offer a range of activities, including exercise classes, film nights and indoor bowls.
East Renfrewshire’s proportion of residents with long-term health conditions is the fourth highest in Scotland and the hub will also run new disability and health support groups to meet local needs.
Representatives from East Renfrewshire Council, including council leader Owen O’Donnell, attended a groundbreaking ceremony at the Newton Mearns site on Thursday.
Lawrence Coen, managing director of property and supported living at the Retail Trust, said: “We want to address the lack of community facilities and local support for people with long-term health conditions like dementia across East Renfrewshire.
“Refurbishing these spaces will allow us to really increase the activities and support the Retail Trust can offer both our residents and the wider community.
“We’ve worked closely with our residents and organisations like Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, Age Concern and East Renfrewshire Council to develop our plans and we’re really pleased with the help and funding we have now secured from a number of other important partners.
“We know this new community hub will provide a real lifeline to people most at risk of isolation or with long-term health needs and it’s only being made possible thanks to our brilliant supporters.”
Other organisations supporting the development include Talking Points East Renfrewshire, the Men’s Shed movement and Helping Hands.
Among those providing funding are the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, Scottish Power Renewables, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the B&Q Foundation, Next and Dobbies Garden Centres.
The project is being delivered by construction company Clark Contracts.
Councillor O’Donnell said: “It’s fantastic to see this project get underway in Newton Mearns.
“The hub is the heart of this retirement village, for both residents and neighbours, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy the new, improved cafe and community spaces.
“I’m delighted we were able to support the improvements through the Scottish Government Place-Based Investment and East Renfrewshire Renewable Energy Funds and look forward to seeing it complete, creating yet more community facilities for local residents and visitors to East Renfrewshire.”
More than 120 people currently live on the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate – one of five supported living sites run by the Retail Trust for people who are retired from the retail industry or in the care of someone working in or retired from the sector.
The charity also works with more than 200 retailers, including Next and Dobbies, to protect their staff ’s wellbeing.
David Robinson, CEO at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “We know that being able to enjoy gardens and outdoor spaces can improve our health and wellbeing.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Retail Trust to provide and help create the garden living spaces for the community at the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate to enjoy.
“We’re super excited about this project.”