Last night along with many members of the local community, I attended a presentation on the future of Community Centre provision in Abbeyview. This comes on the backdrop of £1.5 million being provided by the Council to provide modernised community facilities.

Last night’s meeting was based on various feasibility studies, which would see the 2 current community centres in Abbeyview reduced to one. Option 1 would cost £1.5 million and would involve a minor refurbishment of the Tryst Centre. Option 2 would be a major refurbishment of the Tryst centre including an extension, which would come in at around £2.5 million. Option 3 would be for a new centre to be built at the site of the current Abbeyview Community Centre and would cost over £3 million.

While unfortunately the Council was unsuccessful in gaining additional funding from the Scottish Government which would help to make up these costs, it was made clear that we can apply again for the funding.

The general feedback of the meeting was the best option was a new community facility, although there were concerns about the space available. Council officers did note it would be designed in a way that would allow more to take place in it per square metre. There were also concerns that not every user would be able to use it, such as the Abbeyview Kids Club, which would require specialised facilities. Another issue raised was the role of the Tryst Centre management committee, and the Council noted they were keen to keep a management committee in place.

The Council officers seemed to take these concerns on board and will continue working on this. I will provide any updates when possible.