VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help out at a community hub set to open in Johnstone later this year.

Work to renovate the town’s old police station, in Quarry Street, has been underway since October 2020 and Active Communities will take possession of the main building on Friday, April 22.

Staff and volunteers at the charity are planning to use the hub to lead a variety of physical activities and health and wellbeing projects, with the base also offering event space, offices and training facilities.

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur met with Active Communities CEO Susan McDonald for a tour of the building, to be known as Station Seven.

The Johnstone-based politician told The Gazette: “Susan and the team are passionate about improving the lives of others and engaging with communities that are often isolated within society.

“It was great to see the progress made at Station Seven. This hub embodies the best of Active Communities as an organisation and will be an invaluable asset to the community, other support providers and public sector organisations from the local area and beyond.”

Active Communities has yet to confirm an opening date for Station Seven, which is a nod to the building’s history as a police station and its 7 Quarry Street address, but is planning to run open days in June.

Susan said: “It’s great to see all the hard work by our volunteers and members coming to fruition.

“Station Seven will be a vibrant, fun, friendly and welcoming space for the whole community.

“We are also recruiting volunteers for Station Seven. To find out more, please get in touch by emailing info@activecommunities.co.uk.”

Susan will be raising funds for the building’s running costs by taking part in this year’s Kiltwalk on Sunday, April 24.

To support her fundraising efforts, search for ‘Active Communities’ at glasgow.thekiltwalk.co.uk.