'Milestone': Community hub reopens after years of closure

A Glasgow community hub is to reopen after years of closure.

The Balgrayhill Centre, in Springburn, will once again run events and welcome locals after being taken over by The Bangla Centre.

After an opening event this week, the hub will serve as the first-ever base of the organisation, which has been described as a "milestone".

Balgrayhill Community Centre (Image: Newsquest)

Moloy Sarker  (Image: Newsquest)
Moloy Sarker, trustee and treasurer of the Centre, said: "We are almost 35 years old. We go back a long time. It used to be a small school, teaching Bangla to the young generation.

"Over the last few decades, a lot of Bangladeshi people arrived from Italy, Europe and Bangladesh. As they came and saw the Bangla Centre, they joined in and eventually, we got quite a few activities going on.

"We play cricket and football. We do so many activities as well as a Burns’ Night.

"We also have a partnership with the Glasgow Gaelic School.

"And this is our new venture for the premises. It's a milestone."

Now, the group will run the language lessons, as well as health and wellbeing events and celebrations at the hall.

In addition, residents will be able to rent the space and use it for social interaction.

The 46-year-old said: "If there are any personal parties, birthday parties or celebrations, they can also hire the hall.

"There are also three rooms on the first floor, which we will rent to the local community."

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Guests, group members and local politicians at the opening (Image: Newsquest)

Jim Hope and Dr Zashaam Ahmed (Image: Newsquest)

The move was possible through an asset transfer within the People Make Glasgow Communities scheme and has been four years in the making.

The Bangla Centre was supported by Barmulloch Community Development Company (BCDC).

Jim Hope, secretary and former chief executive of the organisation, said: "We provide free, hands-on services to groups who are interested in taking over buildings.

"We have 14 clients and this is the first one that came to fruition.

"It's a big feather in everyone's cap. The Bangla Centre operated from a wee office and it was a weekly logistical exercise.

"This means they will be able to base themselves here and expand their activities, not just to the Bangladeshi community but, as they call them, host Scots.

"The centre here has lain unused for four years. Them coming in here means it will be open not just for Bangladeshi activities but for other local people wanting to get involved."

The opening event (Image: Newsquest)

(Image: Newsquest)

Dr Zashaam Ahmed, chairperson of the board of trustees, added: "It's a thrilling moment.

"We are in the voluntary sector as a community organisation and now we have become a partner of the local government.

"It's needed integration and the mutual exchange of culture, language, art and faith for greater understanding, and mutual respect.

"We are the same people.

"This will become a centre of excellence, inviting communities and disseminating each one's values and attributes."

At the opening ceremony, a piper entertained the crowd and a symbolic ribbon was cut.

Leaders of the centre, as well as those who supported the application process, gave speeches as the building was officially reopened.