Church hall ‘can be at the heart of Ferguslie’
A hub that reduces isolation, improves p e o p l e ’ s we l l - being and bolsters community spirit should be created in the soon to be vacant St Ninian’s Parish Church Hall, campaigners say.
The hall, which was run by the parish for several years, will become empty when the church permanently closes its doors in August.
But Ferguslie Community Council says the building would be the perfect place to realise its ambitions for a community outlet that will sit at the heart of the continued regeneration of the Paisley neighbourhood.
The community council is now putting a proposal together to take over the lease of the Renfrewshire Council- owned building and hopes to liaise with the local authority about its plans once the coronavirus emergency has waned.
John McIntyre, chairman of Ferguslie Park Community Council, said: “For far too long our community buildings, built for the community from funding allocated to the community, have fallen into the hands of external agencies, including charities.
“We, as a community, need these buildings for our own use, to grow our community and the plans we have for its future.
“This includes the reintroduction of activities for the whole community, from the cradle to the grave.
“P rog rammes and activities identified by the community include playschemes for children, hubs delivering essential health and well-being advice and guidance, a creative space for the arts and a hub for community events to take place.
“These are just a few and I’m sure many more will surface when the Making Ferguslie Park Better community consultation report is published.”
The report follows a survey, launched earlier this year, that asked residents what they would like to see in their community in order to help shape plans for both the physical and social regeneration going forward.
The feedback will be used to create a new place plan that will determine how vacant and under-used land is transformed.
It will also include proposals to enhance green spaces and ideas to support local community groups to ensure more opportunities are available in the area.
John added: “To launch and sustain this programme of continued regeneration we need community-based managed and run buildings to operate from and deliver this exciting programme of community empowerment.
“Ferguslie Community Council is the ideal community organisation to take ownership of St Ninian’s Church Hall.
“With the community’s continued support, I’m sure we can achieve this.”
A spokesma n for Renfrewshire Council said: “We are aware the church are looking to relinquish their lease and we would be happy to engage with the community council or any other group around opportunities to deliver activities and services in.
“The council is currently running a consultation exercise to inform a wider regeneration plan for Ferguslie Park, and future use of the church hall will be considered as part of this.”