Around 20 administrative staff will be relocated from the charity’s Clydebank office.

The Carman Centre closed at the end of March but will now become home to the local office of Cornerstone, a charity which supports people with autism and complex support needs.

The centre will also be home to a new Cornerstone Connects service, which aims to build friendships and community connections, as well as partnerships to support sustain and integrate local communities and vulnerable groups.

A wide variety of activities will be available the people Cornerstone supports, including catering skills, nature study and drama.

Rooms in the building, including the large catering kitchen, will be made available to community groups and private customers to rent.

Hazel Brown, Cornerstone’s West regional director said: “We are delighted to be able to operate all our West Dunbartonshire services out of the Carman Centre from early next year.” “The centre offers a real opportunity to provide activities, including training and learning opportunities, to the people we support as well as providing a hub for the local community, including many of our staff and people we support who live locally.

“With the acquisition of the Carman Centre and the recent opening of Baxter View, our newly built housing support service in Dumbarton, this is a great time to be part of Cornerstone.” Local councillor Jim Bollan said: “Cornerstone already provide services in the local community of Renton, and I am very pleased that they were able to take on the Carman Centre.

“Renton is very much in need of additional services so this new development by Cornerstone for the village is welcome and very exciting.”