As many people know, Larkfield Neighbourhood Hall at Broompark Road has been closed for quite some time, the Council asset in danger of not re-opening or being sold off. It’s been devastating to see the impact this has had on local clubs and organisations, forced to go elsewhere, sometimes outwith Blantyre as a result of South Lanarkshire Council cutbacks.
However, this week, a popular Blantyre based organisation has revealed exciting plans to save the hall, give it a much needed renovation both inside and out and importantly ensure it continues to remain open, serving the whole area as a public community hub.
An asset transfer request has been made by Blantyre Soccer Academy (BSA) to South Lanarkshire Council to acquire the Larkfield Neighbourhood Hall derelict property and for BSA, a charitable organisation to re-open it, professionally managing it on behalf of themselves and the local community. This would not only see Blantyre children finally have a fantastic place to train and play, but would also secure hired community space for meetings and events.
The transfer request is not just for the hall, but also for the adjacent muddy, Larkfield Bing to be upgraded with a brand new 3G hard surface football pitch, new secure fencing, better lighting, upgraded paths and enhanced parking, as well as a much needed new 5 aside smaller pitch for local sports. BSA’s request is to purchase the land and building, the proposed use being for the operation of a community centre and their football academy.
We interviewed BSA Chairperson Jimmy Whelan yesterday who told us, “BSA believes this is a fantastic opportunity to not only acquire premises for the Academy, but to guarantee the survival of Larkfield Hall, with assurances given that it will be fully available for hire at affordable rates by any interested local groups or organisations.”
“Our plans, should the community asset transfer go ahead, will be to restore the building back into use, bringing it into the 21st Century with a more attractive outwardly appearance, provide further, larger parking from Broompark Road and installing sustainable technology such as solar panels and other equipment to keep costs down for all.”
“The hall will be brought back into use for the community as a whole, with renovated space available for functions, events at affordable rates.”
Jimmy continued, “Outdoors, the adjacent underused Bing will have a brand new 3G pitch, a first for Blantyre with local children able to play on a decent, solid, flood free surface. New fencing, lighting and paths will transform the site into something altogether much more attractive, fit for purpose and will be properly maintained.”
“Plans also include a brand new smaller five aside pitch, much needed in the town. As well as being used by the Academy, both pitches will be available for hire by external organisations and will be open for use for other events, such as car boot sales, galas, open outdoor days, fetes and the like. Being mindful of houses nearby, use of the pitches will of course be kept within acceptable, normal hours.”
“The existing Rowans Hall will also be kept open for use by the community.“
In a week where other Councils have announced selling off millions of pounds worth of property assets, Blantyre’s Halls have long been under threat. Tact, Larkfield, Springwell, High Blantyre, some of them already closed or with serious funding issues. As such, it feels a welcome development when charitable organisations come along offering to invest in the area, save properties at risk in such a respectful, professional community minded manner. With many of our readers concerned about the future of Blantyre’s halls, and having received lots of messages about this topic in recent years, we openly wish BSA well with this asset transfer, offering our support and hope you’ll join us in that regard.
Representations should be made by 5pm Thursday 26 October 2023. Planning Reference CAT/23/0009
