Residents turned out in their hundreds recently to celebrate the rebirth of a vibrant and much-needed community centre in Dumbarton.

After closing its doors due to funding cuts and sitting empty for a number of years, the Phoenix Centre on Quarry Knowe re-opened on November 24 with the aim of providing a place for people living in the Castlehill, Brucehill and Westcliff areas to connect.

It marks the the realisation of the Rock Community Church’s dream of making the Phoenix rise again after they took over the building’s lease and refurbished it thanks to community grants, donations from businesses and by contributions from church funds.

The centre had historically been at the heart of the community and with this in mind, the ribbon was cut at the grand opening by Mary Sweeney, who lives next door and used to work in the Phoenix in the past.

Rock Community Church pastor Oli Higham said: “Mary cut the ribbon because we wanted to reflect the idea that the building is part of the community. While we were refurbishing it, she popped her head in two or three times a week and told us stories about the good old days, which really encouraged us.

“The opening was fantastic, we had art activities, a bouncy castle balloon models, hook the duck, stalls, local agencies and the community cafe was up and running. Well over 300 people came through the door on the day. It was really good seeing the community coming out and supporting the centre.”

Following the grand opening, 80 residents continued the fun by taking part in a quiz night, where they enjoyed food and music from local acoustic guitar player Darrell Muldoon, whose used to come to the Phoenix as a child.

The centre then remained busy throughout the week with 36 kids attending a weekly youth club and 11 parents meeting at the weekly toddler group.

Another couple of big events are already lined up for the coming weeks with a ‘christmas chats and wraps afternoon’ organised for 12.20pm to 3pm on December 14 and a community carols night organised for 4pm to 6pm on December 16.

Oli added: “Our vision for the place is for it to be a real hub where people can come together such as those who are on their own and isolated, where young people have opportunities to try new activities and have a brighter future and where parents feel supported while they are bringing their kids up.

“It is really encouraging seeing the community’s excitement and there is a real buzz about the area.”