Pollok charity given £900k to turn derelict building into community hub

The local authority agreed to help South West Arts & Music Project (SWAMP) at Thursday’s city administration committee after costs to turn a former housing office on Brockburn Road into a local hub soared to an estimated cost of £1.5 million.

The organisation which has existed for more than 20 years provides a “valuable service” for groups and enterprises and aims to support the needs of some of the most disadvantaged people in the area.

They are now looking to expand their outreach but as a result of Covid 19, Brexit and skilled labour shortages the cost of the project has risen.

‘Delighted’

Following Thursday’s committee meeting, Depute Council Leader, David McDonald, said: “I’m delighted that the council has backed the plans to create a new community hub in Pollok in partnership with SWAMP, a much loved local community development trust who have been at the heart of so many positive community projects in Greater Pollok for the last 25 years.

“This latest project will see the transformation of a once derelict council building into a state of the art multi-use space that supports all aspects of our community.

“The building will have space for people to work, learn and play and will also help support the continued efforts of G53 Together. During the pandemic, G53 Together, a network of community organisations, demonstrated the strength of our community and provided vital mutual aid support across Greater Pollok.”

‘Investment in Greater Pollok’

SWAMP also works in line with the People Make Glasgow Communities programme , to support and assist in the delivery of projects which empower local organisations to take more operational responsibility for the delivery of local services.

Councillor McDonald added: “This work led to the creation of the Pollok Pantry which is also based at the hub and is helping address food insecurity by providing the community access to fresh, quality food at a fraction of the cost of a supermarket.

“The hub is the latest council investment in Greater Pollok that aims to support the community to become more resilient and that will see Greater Pollok become a beacon for community-led regeneration, making Pollok a stronger, more confident community of opportunity.”