Glenkens Community Centre has reopened following a major renovation that has significantly improved its energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint.

The retrofit was carried out by local tradespeople and focused on futureproofing the building while enhancing its role as a hub for community activities.

Owned by Dalry Community Properties Trust, the project was supported by a £133,000 grant from the SP Energy Networks Transmission Net Zero Fund, alongside funding from South of Scotland Enterprise. Work included new wall and roof insulation, energy-efficient glazing, and low-energy lighting throughout the building. The installation of solar PV panels and an air source heat pump now enables the centre to generate its own electricity and heat.

These upgrades have created a warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for a wide range of users, from youth clubs and workshops to social groups and wellbeing classes. Originally built as a school in the late 19th century and converted into a community centre in the late 1970s, the building has supported local residents for nearly 50 years.

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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." 

Sarah McCusker, Trustee and Project Manager at Glenkens Community Centre, added: "We're absolutely thrilled to welcome everyone back into the newly refurbished centre. These improvements mean we can offer a warmer, more energy-efficient space for all members of our community. This building has always been a place where people come together, and thanks to the support from SP Energy Networks, that will continue for years to come."

Local MSP Finlay Carson visited the site to mark the completion of the works and highlighted the centre’s role as both a sustainable and social asset to the community.

Mr Carson 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 it for the future. The centre is more than just a building - it's a cornerstone of community life."