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A bid to transform an old church hall in Paisley's Ferguslie Park into a thriving community hub could take a significant step forward next week. Ferguslie Community Development Trust's (FCDT) request for a community asset transfer (CAT) of the former St Ninian's Church Hall in Blackstoun Road will go before Renfrewshire Council's elected members on Wednesday. They will be asked to agree to the charity's long-term lease of the facility – which has lain vacant in recent years – for £1 per annum at the CAT sub-committee. A report, which will be considered at the meeting, explained: "FCDT propose to operate the building as a community asset and to facilitate a range of activities and events to support and benefit the local community of Ferguslie Park. "Consultation has been undertaken within the community with evidence of support for the asset to be community-controlled to increase capacity for community events and activity unable to be supported through existing premises. "Discussions have taken place with the Tannahill Centre and with the successful community transfer body for the former Falcon Day Centre. "The business plan presented with the CAT request identifies a demand for community space unable to be met from existing facilities and that the proposals for activity will complement those proposed for Falcon Day Centre and accommodated with the Tannahill Centre." FCDT's vision is to transform the hall into a multi-purpose venue that supports all generations and complements but doesn't duplicate existing community facilities. Activities that could be hosted at the building, which have been identified through consultation, include children's birthday parties and a soft play area; weddings, funerals and community celebrations; film screenings and stage performances; youth programmes, wellbeing groups and training workshops; and arts and heritage events celebrating Ferguslie's culture. To support its vision, FCDT has explained it is actively engaging with potential funders to secure resources for capital improvements and staffing. Works would be carried out on a phased basis, with the toilets reconfigured and kitchen space assessed in the first phase; installation of moveable partitions in the meeting space and additional storage in the second phase; and a new kitchen and café space created and heating system upgraded in the third phase. John McIntyre, chair of the trust, said earlier this year : "We are committed to ensuring this centre is not only fit for purpose but also financially viable. Our team is working diligently to secure the necessary funding to bring this vision to life. "We believe this project will be a game-changer for Ferguslie Park, offering a space that brings people together, supports wellbeing and celebrates community pride." Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
