It promises to be a vital hub that will support communities across the Glenkens for generations to come.
Glenkens Community Centre has now officially reopened its doors following a major renovation to cut carbon emissions and futureproof thebuilding.
The remarkable retrofit has been made possible thanks to a grant totalling £133,000 from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund.
The move has been warmly welcomed by local constituency MSP Finlay Carson who visited the centre last week to meet staff, trustees and members of the community following the successful completion of thework.
Speaking about the positive impact already realised via the project, theGalloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “This project is a model for how community spaces can lead the way on sustainability while delivering real, everyday benefits to local people.
“It’s great to see such a well-loved building transformed in a way that respects its legacy while preparing for the future.
“The centre is more than just a building – it’s a cornerstone of community life,” he added.
The ambitious local project was carried out by local tradespeople and has significantly reduced the building’s carbon footprint and energy costs. At the same time it has enhanced its role as an inclusive space forrural community life.
The renovation includes new insulation in the walls and roof, energy-efficient glazing and low-energy lighting throughout.
Solar PV panels and an air source heat pump now allow the centre to generate its own clean electricity and heat – reducing reliance on fossil fuels and protecting it from rising energy prices.
These upgrades have created a warmer, more comfortable, and environmentally-friendly environment for the many people who use thecentre, from social groups and wellbeing classes to youth clubs, workshops, and other community-led initiatives.
The building became a community centre in the late 1970s, having originally been built as a school in the late 19th century. For nearly five decades, it has helped combat social isolation and supported lifelong learning across the region.
Thanks to the retrofit, the centre is better equipped to support a diverse range of users all year round, including older residents, young families, and people with health conditions.
Jillian Violaris, funding and partnerships manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how sustainable investment can strengthen rural communities.
“By helping Glenkens Community Centre reduce its running costs and environmental impact, we’re helping ensure it remains an accessible, welcoming and resilient place for everyone – today and in the future.”
A host of charities and organisations supporting communities across Scotland have been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Net Zero Fund to introduce innovate technology.
The groups have received grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner, with projects ranging from installation of heat pumps and renewable energy solutions to the purchase of electric vehicles and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
