The community group was joined by representatives from North Lanarkshire Council, The Environmental Key Fund, Scottish Power Renewables and Getting Better Together to mark the start of construction work on site.

Mark Slorance, Executive Manager of Getting Better Together Ltd, which is managing the project on behalf of the local community, said “We at GBT are delighted that construction has started, this marks the next stage of an exciting journey which began in 2019, when the community took ownership of the current facility.

"Getting to this stage has only been possible due to the dedication and support from GBT Staff, North Lanarkshire Council, our funding partners, and of course the community.

"Everybody involved should be congratulated for making this vision a reality and bringing a modern community hub to the area. 

The project is being part funded by Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Environmental Key Fund and North Lanarkshire Council.

When it opens next year, the community hub will offer activities for local people including:

• services for children and young people including a youth group, holiday programme, homework club, parent and toddlers groups and playgroups;
• adult learning services focused on building local people’s numeracy and literacy skills, life skills such as money management and cookery, and providing learning opportunities for Eastern European nationals who live locally;
• social activity for older people with a key focus on addressing isolation and loneliness;
• outreach advisory services for debt management, consumer advice and welfare and benefits; and
• community health outreach clinics, well-being and health and fitness programmes.

“This will be an excellent facility at the heart of the community, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Getting Better Together – Shotts for their tireless efforts to reach this milestone in the project,” said Councillor Paul Di Mascio, Convener of the Enterprise, Growth and Fair Work Committee.

“The council has contributed to the costs and provided support to help the group secure other funding to ensure this project can deliver a high quality building that meets the needs of all the local groups who will use it.”

Getting Better Together – Shotts took over the running of the hall from the council in 2017 to redevelop the facility, then bought the hall and land in 2019. The group has worked with the council on the funding application and plans for the facility.

The work is expected to be complete in March 2023.