WORK has began on the £2 million project aimed at breathing new life into Fullarton.

A new community hub will replace the 40-year-old Fullarton Community Centre as part of the plans which aims to regenerate both the Fullarton and Harbourside areas.

This week, Fullarton Community Association chair Donna Fitzpatrick joined guests to mark the beginning of the ambitious project.

A designated youth club space, a training kitchen, community café, multi-purpose hall, community garden, games area, informal meeting areas and office space, as well as housing a relocated doctor’s surgery and pharmacy, will be built on site.

For more than 40 years, Fullarton Community Association has played a central role in the community providing low cost accommodation for local clubs and groups. 

In the 1970s, the association erected a temporary “portacabin-type” building with the objective of providing social support to the community through group activities and a “community space” which could be used for one-off events. 

Since then the community centre has become the heart of the community and the current centre provides a range of local services including a breakfast club, lunch club, café, mother and toddler groups, dance classes, youth groups and community events. 

And 17 jobs will be created during the construction phase, seven once the new hub is in operation plus volunteering opportunities for over 100 people. Construction is due to be completed by spring 2017.

Donna Chair of Fullarton Community Association said: “We are delighted that construction work has started on our long-awaited community hub. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for people living in the Fullarton/Harbourside areas. 

“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 muga and community garden, it will allow young and elderly alike to come together on many joint ventures for the future. 

“We are grateful to all our partners who have helped make this project happen, including the Big Lottery, Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, North Ayrshire Council, the Scottish Government, Robertson Trust and North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, as well as previous committees over past years.”

Councillor Louise McPhater, cabinet member for communities, said: “The Association have worked tirelessly to transform their community. They’ve had setbacks and disappointments but they’ve never given up so we’re thrilled to be standing with them today as they celebrate this amazing milestone. 

“This new facility will be a fantastic resource for the Association and the whole community.

“The plans in place and their vision for the future are incredible. Their drive and enthusiasm has galvanised their community and they’ve got everyone on board.”