14/4/2008Church's £3million Transformation
AN OLD church in Airdrie is set to be transformed into a £3 million enterprise centre bringing new facilities to the community.
North Lanarkshire Council has begun working on the Old Wellwynd Church, which is set to offer high quality accommodation for organisations such as charities, community and voluntary organisations.
A category C listed building, the church has been closed since 1995 and has suffered from anti-social behaviour and neglect.
Currently owned by the council, the building is scheduled to transfer to Clyde Valley Housing Association who will act as both developer and landlord for the Social Enterprise Hub.
The facade of the church building is being retained, but the adjacent former Scout hall is being demolished and the rest of the site will be cleared to accommodate a new build element.
Upon completion, set for Autumn 2009, the final development will include conference facilities and meeting rooms for hire, office space for lease, a community cafe and a creche.
There will also be some retail units in the new section of the building.
Tom Barclay, Chief Executive of the Clyde Valley Group, said: "We are delighted to have received the go-ahead for this new development, which is good news for local people and a boost for the town of Airdrie.
"We currently have a number of customers in the area, and are very positive about creating this facility for the whole community and beyond."
Construction costs for the development are approximately £3 million, which will be met by a funding package from the Scottish Government, North Lanarkshire Council, Clyde Valley Housing Association, Communities Scotland and North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership European bid.
North Lanarkshire Council has begun working on the Old Wellwynd Church, which is set to offer high quality accommodation for organisations such as charities, community and voluntary organisations.
A category C listed building, the church has been closed since 1995 and has suffered from anti-social behaviour and neglect.
Currently owned by the council, the building is scheduled to transfer to Clyde Valley Housing Association who will act as both developer and landlord for the Social Enterprise Hub.
The facade of the church building is being retained, but the adjacent former Scout hall is being demolished and the rest of the site will be cleared to accommodate a new build element.
Upon completion, set for Autumn 2009, the final development will include conference facilities and meeting rooms for hire, office space for lease, a community cafe and a creche.
There will also be some retail units in the new section of the building.
Tom Barclay, Chief Executive of the Clyde Valley Group, said: "We are delighted to have received the go-ahead for this new development, which is good news for local people and a boost for the town of Airdrie.
"We currently have a number of customers in the area, and are very positive about creating this facility for the whole community and beyond."
Construction costs for the development are approximately £3 million, which will be met by a funding package from the Scottish Government, North Lanarkshire Council, Clyde Valley Housing Association, Communities Scotland and North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership European bid.