THREE community halls in Renfrewshire will receive a makeover after councillors rubber-stamped a £1.6million contract.

Elderslie Village Hall, the McKillop Institute, in Lochwinnoch, and the South End Action Centre, in Paisley, will all get a range of external and internal improvements.

Almost £800,000 will be splashed out on breathing new life into the McKillop, while nearly £500,000 will be pumped into the Elderslie landmark and more than £327,000 will be spent on the South End Action Centre.

Improvements will include upgraded toilets and work to provide modern, accessible spaces for community groups that use the buildings, including dance and drama classes.

All three venues will also benefit from fresh roof coverings and the McKillop will have solar panels installed.

The Gazette: The McKillop Institute is a Lochwinnoch landmarkThe McKillop Institute is a Lochwinnoch landmark

Where needed, replacement doors and windows, electrical rewiring and new alarm systems will be put in place, while both the McKillop and Elderslie Village Hall will undergo external wall repairs.

Surveys will also be carried out at Steeple Hall, in Kilbarchan, to deliver a smaller programme of upgrades there.

Councillor Andy Steel has welcomed the extra funding for Elderslie.

He said: “Village halls are a central part of maintaining active and thriving communities and need to be kept up to a good standard. This work will ensure that happens.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron added: “This refurbishment will ensure Elderslie has a first-class facility for the future and that’s important, as I know how well used the hall was before the pandemic.”

Paisley-based City Gate Construction has been awarded the contract.
Work on the renovations will begin at the end of May and is set to be completed by November 9.

The Gazette: South End Action CentreSouth End Action Centre

Councillor Andy Doig said he hopes the improvements to the McKillop will mean Christmas activities can be held there.

“The McKillop is at the centre of the village and a myriad of local groups use it, such as the elderly forum, yoga groups and arts and crafts groups,” he added.

“I hope the renovation will mean a full range of Christmas activities should be possible in the McKillop, which will be a great present from Renfrewshire Council.”

Community group Roar, which runs activities for older people from the community halls, has also welcomed the imminent repairs.

Roar project worker Anne Morgan said: “Roar Connections for life has been running a group for older adults in the McKillop Institute for more than 12 years and it is a fantastic venue.”