A BUILDING which has lain empty for years in Dumbarton is “rising from the ashes” to play a key role in the community once again.

The Phoenix Centre is set to become a vibrant hub for Castlehill, Brucehill, and Westcliff.

The official opening of the centre later this month will be a dream come true for Rock Community Church who had a vision of returning the building to the heart of the community.

Church pastor Oli Higham told the Reporter he had walked past the building a few years ago and started to dream about what it could become.

He said: “Many people went there when they were growing up and have been sharing their memories of the place with me.

“It’s really exciting to see the centre on the verge of opening.

“We as a church have been working hard on the process over the past two years.”

Oli said this had included feasibility studies, consulting with the local community, fundraising, community asset transfer, and refurbishment.

He added: “There’s a real buzz among local residents to see the doors open and see The Phoenix being a blessing to the community here again.” Oli said improvements had been paid for by community grants, donations from businesses and by contributions from church funds.

Cath Lyden, volunteer co-ordinator, said: “If you talk to anyone who has lived locally, The Phoenix has historically been at the heart of the community here.

“However, due to funding cuts it closed its doors. It has been sitting empty for a number of years, but The Phoenix is rising again.

“It is, at its heart, a community hub. It will offer a range of projects and services, but at the centre of the vision is a place where the community can come together. “Our primary focus is supporting the communities of Castlehill, Brucehill, and Westcliff.

“We’ve consulted with the community about what their dreams and hopes for the building are and we’ve shaped the building around these ideas.” The Phoenix will house a community cafe, youth work, support for parents and toddlers, community events, fitness classes, and much more.

The opening date has been set for November 24 and will comprises of two sessions.

The first, from 11am to 2:30pm, is a family fun day type event, with bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, games and dance.

The second session, a family quiz night, will run from 5.30pm-8.30pm.

Oli said: “I’m really looking forward to the 24th, the start of the next season of this adventure and celebrating the amazing place Dumbarton West is.”