A glimpse into future plans

Representatives from East Dunbartonshire Council were at the event held at Auchinairn Primary School, alongside the architect who has been tasked with designing the new building.

Residents, pupils, parents, nursery staff, clubs and existing users of the community centre which it will replace had their say on which groups will need to be catered for both now and in the future.

Following on from consultation undertaken earlier in the year through which community members expressed support for a proposed partnership, representatives from Glasgow City Foundation - a charitable foundation linked to Glasgow City Football Club - were also at the event to explore the potential to integrate a new football pitch alongside the proposed community facility for the area.

Feedback from the local community will now inform the design, with a further event taking place in the near future where the architect’s initial drawings can be viewed and a more detailed discussion can take place.

The initial feedback was positive, with Natalie Davidson, from Auchinairn, saying: “I’ve got one child in nursery and another one who is going soon so it was nice to find out what is planned and how it will benefit the children.

“Coming along to the session has been really useful and it was good to have a say and try to influence what will be in the new facility and how it will look like.”

Stuart Frame, who runs a karate club in Auchinairn Community Centre added: “We want the club to remain in the community and it would be great if we can get in to the new facility.

“It was important that the club was represented at the event and it was great to speak to people about what could happen in the new facility.”

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “The council is keen to engage with as many people and community groups as possible throughout the process of making this facility a reality and it’s encouraging to hear that there was such a good attendance at this event.”