Disused janitor’s house is now a nursery and fab community hub
New facility already popular
A former janitor’s house that was converted into a childcare centre and community hub has been officially opened.
Linwood mums Lesley Compston and Kirsty McKenzie started Klas Care back in 2010 to tackle the chronic shortage of affordable after- school care in the area.
And after raising £300,000 from the public and private sector, they transformed the former janitor’s house at East Fulton Primary School in Linwood.
Lesley said: “We have had fantastic support from all our funders, both in the public and private sectors, who have helped bring the project to fruition.
“The new facility will enable KLAS Care to significantly expand affordable child care in the area, the main purpose of our social enterprise efforts.
“But it has also already become a focus for community activity, f rom parent groups to cycling initiatives and other activities involving members of the community from the youngest to the oldest.
“Our aim is to provide a facility not only for children, but to stimulate community activity in a setting in which they feel safe and happy.”
She added: “The new facility really is an example of the saying “build it and they will come’.”
Adele Fraser, chief executive of Linstone Housing Association, officially opened the new premises.
She said: “Klas Care provides valuable local child care for the people of Linwood and Johnstone and this new centre builds on the fantastic work Lesley and Kirsty have done over many years.
“They are both truly community focussed.
“Lesley and Kirsty were key to the building of a fantastic new play area in Linwood and their commitment to the community, which they carry out with professionalism and enthusiasm, is further demonstrated by this wonderful facility in East Fulton.
“It has already become a catalyst for community activity catering for a range of interests across ages, and I congratulate them on their hard work and dedication in bringing the project to fruition.”
As well as becoming a community hub, the building is also environmentally friendly with energy efficient lighting, heating and hot water system as well as highly rated insulation. This was paid for by a £12,000 funding package from the British Airways’ Carbon Fund, the first project in Scotland to receive cash from the fund, which is made up from donations from passengers.
A further donation of £ 5,000 from the British Airways Carbon Fund in the next funding round will allow solar panels to be installed.
Klas Care worked with energy charity Renfrewshire Local Energy Action Plan ( LEAP) to secure the grant from BA.
Leigh Hudson, British Airways Carbon and Alternative Fuels manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to be a part of this important community initiative in Linwood, an area close to one of our most important operating UK bases, Glasgow Airport.
“We are committed to promoting the use of sustainable technology across the UK and the Carbon Fund is just one strand of our environmental strategy.
“We are committed to playing our part in achieving sustainable growth in, and setting the standard for, sustainable flying.”
It has already become a catalyst for community activity