The new £3.8m state-of-the-art community centre in Barrhead is to be called Barrhead Foundry.

It was chosen for the facility after East Renfrewshire Council held a competition to allow local residents to suggest a name for the building.

Barrhead resident David Bell is the person behind the suggestion, and he chose the name to reflect on the town's proud industrial heritage. As a result of his choice, he wins a lifetime's free use of the Action Zone gym facilities in the new centre.

Work is expected to begin on the new community hub this autumn and the local authority has said the centre will rise from close to the sites of major industry that helped to build Barrhead.

The new Main Street community base will take the form of a substantial two-storey development to the front of Barrhead Sports Centre and will offer upgraded sports facilities, a state-of-the-art library, IT suite, learning opportunities, an improved café, WiFi and a diverse programme of activities for the entire community.


There are also plans for a business zone and on-site support and advice on employment and getting back to work, while flexible meeting rooms for conferences, training events and other activities will be available for community groups and local businesses to book.

To allow work to commence, Barrhead's existing library facilities have temporarily relocated to the former rent office in Lowndes Street and the existing sports hall and stage area will close to allow the major works to begin. These will remain closed for around four months, with groups who use the current facilities temporarily relocating to other areas.

The Action Zone gym and pool will remain open.

Convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "At £3.8m we are making a significant investment in Barrhead. The new Barrhead Foundry will be a tremendous asset to the town.

"With this wonderful new centre, plus the £11m earmarked for the new Barrhead High School, the new tennis courts and the substantial improvements planned for Cowan Park, the council is demonstrating that it is committed 100 per cent to the regeneration of Barrhead and providing the very best facilities for its people. The future is looking bright."

Convener for Community Services and Community Safety, Councillor Mary Montague, added: "This will be an excellent new facility for Barrhead.

"With improved and enhanced sports facilities, state-of-the-art library, and business and employment help all under one roof, it will be a real community hub.

"Well done and thank you to David for coming up with the name of Barrhead Foundry - it represents the town's heritage and has strong associations for local people. Thanks too to everyone who took the time to enter."

The new community hub is expected to open in autumn 2014.

(JP/CD)