NORTH Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane has said he is positive about the future of Kilwinning’s Hazeldene Horticulture.

The pioneering facility – which provides training opportunities for people with learning difficulties – faced an uncertain future earlier this year before proposals were put in place for the council to form a new Public Social Partnership (PSP) with Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA).

Since then, the council and CHA have been working in partnership to find a viable and sustainable way forward for Hazeldene, which would allow it to flourish once again.

Councillor Cullinane and CHA Chief Executive Frank Sweeney recently visited Hazeldene, which is based at Blair Road, to see the facility and hear first-hand about the plans.

Following the visit, the council leader said proposals would be drawn up with a view to giving Hazeldene a bright future.

Councillor Cullinane added: “I’ve been really impressed by Hazeldene and the work carried out by the team here.

“Speaking to the Manager Robby Gass you can see how enthusiastic and ambitious he is for Hazeldene and it was great to hear about the work he and his team are doing and his plans for the future.

“The council is very supportive of the efforts to come up with a proposal which will allow Hazeldene to thrive and I’m looking forward to a report coming forward to Cabinet for consideration.”

Recently, Hazeldene Horticulture was included in the council’s Social Impact Pledge which is an undertaking to support and help people from a wide range of backgrounds across North Ayrshire.

Cabinet members agreed to develop the partnership with CHA to create employment and training opportunities at Hazeldene in one of three pledges it made.

Hazeldene Horticulture was originally set up as a partnership between North Ayrshire Council and Enable Scotland to support people aged 18-65 with learning disabilities train for work. 

Those participating in the project gained valuable experience to help them go on to secure work experience, training or a job.

However, the future of the facility was cast into doubt when Enable pulled out earlier this year.

The council and CHA have agreed to formulate proposals for a new Public Social Partnership with a view to finding a sustainable way forward for Hazeldene while also allowing it to remain true to its original ethos by providing training and supported employment opportunities for service users.

Frank Sweeney, Chief Executive of CHA, said: “We are working in partnership with the council to try to ensure that Hazeldene Horticulture has a sustainable and long-term future.

“The partnership staff team between the council and CHA continues to work towards securing the start of this journey for Hazeldene.”