Big win for soccer academy

Asset transfer completed

Blantyre Soccer Academy have been granted permission to takeover the former Rowans Hall in the town.

At a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council’s housing and technical resources committee last week, councillors finally agreed to the terms of the £1 sale of the vacant hall and surrounding land at Birch Place.

Back in October the academy were dealt a huge blow when the asset transfer was delayed after concerns were raised that the proposal failed to include any safeguards to ensure it stayed in community use in the long term. However, that condition is now in place.

Blantyre Soccer Academy chairman Jimmy Whelan told the Advertiser this week: “We are pleased to announce that after a meeting of the council last Thursday, a decision was made to grant Blantyre Soccer Academy an asset transfer of The Rowans Hall under the new community empowerment act.

“It was a long, arduous process but we got there in the end, and we are delighted for not only the academy but also for the entire Blantrye community.”

The academy’s proposal, that will see them relocate from their current unit on Calder Street, Blantyre, included diversifying the range of services they deliver by using the facility as a community hub. Their business plan identifies around £70,000 expenditure on immediate repairs as well as £50,000 for an extension to the building.

In addition, a Climate Challenge Fund application has been prepared. If successful, that would also see the development of a community garden and kitchen, a cycle shed, dropin centre and computer and cooking classes.

Chair of the Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Josh Wilson, said: “Blantyre Soccer Academy are extremely well known in the local area and provide a tremendous service for the community of Blantyre and beyond.

“I am delighted that this asset transfer has been agreed and it means the club can continue to go from strength to strength.

“Councils being able to help local organisations in this way was exactly the reason why the Community Empowerment Act was introduced and I wish Blantyre Soccer Academy every success in the future.”

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, whose constituency covers Blantyre, said: “First and foremost, I am absolutely delighted for Blantyre Soccer Academy.

“They are a tremendous local organisation who I know will put Rowans Hall to great use. This was a win-win for them and South Lanarkshire Council, who no longer are required to spend thousands maintaining the hall.”