On the evening of Saturday 9th September, local MSP Ruth Maguire officially opened the new Fullarton Community Hub.
The new £1.8million Fullarton Community Hub will feature a range of facilities including a doctor’s surgery, multi-purpose hall and community café.
Saturday’s launch marked the end of an incredible journey that began over four years ago when the community took ownership of the land through an ambitious asset transfer – the very first transfer undertaken by North Ayrshire Council under Community Empowerment legislation in 2013.
Since then, the Fullarton Community Association, with support from North Ayrshire Council, have come up with a concept, secured funding from various sources – including the Big Lottery and the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, and worked tirelessly to realise their vision.
Commenting, Ruth said:
“One of the proudest moments of my time as a councillor for the area was the ambitious asset transfer in 2013 that saw the community take ownership of the land on which the new hub stands – the first major transfer undertaken by North Ayrshire Council under Community Empowerment Legislation.”
Four years later, it was a huge honour to be invited as the MSP for the area to officially open the new Fullarton Community Hub that so many have worked so hard to achieve.
I would like to express my most sincere thanks to Donna and Community Association members past and present who dedicated their time and effort to making this community hub a reality – and who organised such a fantastic opening evening on Saturday.
Folk in Fullarton now have the great building and space they deserve, I look forward to seeing the community go from strength to strength.”
Donna Fitzpatrick, Chair of Fullarton Community Association, added:
“It has taken a huge amount of effort to get to where we are today. I’m so proud to be standing here looking at this new facility. It is fantastic.
The new health facilities and GP practice in particular will mean local people can attend appointments within their local community, within walking distance of where they live.
The new hub will be a lifeline to our community, and together with the new multi-use games area and community garden, it will allow young and elderly alike to come together on many joint ventures for the future.
This is a momentous day for the whole community and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
Ruth Maguire MSP 