CELEBRATIONS will soon be in order for Knightswood residents as local people prepare to take control of its bustling community centre.

Knightswood Community Centre is due to come under community management in October after it is transferred from Glasgow Life.

With an estimated annual footfall of more than 70,000, the Alderman Road centre is one of the largest and busiest facilities of its type in Glasgow — and a Knightswood man has been involved with the project every step of the way.

Allen Lindsay is chairman of Knightswood Community Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), the group which will manage and operate the centre.

He told the Post: “Bringing Knightswood Community Centre under local management will mean it can be much more flexible when responding to the needs of local people.

“We have a keen understanding of the needs of people in the area and how to cater for them so this will be a huge benefit.

“Any maintenance work needing done can be looked at quickly, making the whole process much more efficient.” At present, the centre is open seven days a week and offers a wide variety of classes to people of all ages. These include zumba classes, knitting clubs and organisations like the Shona Campbell School of Dance. Councillors hold surgeries there while users can enjoy slimming classes, dog training and lapidary (stone polishing).

Mr Lindsay, who is also vice-chairman of Knightswood Community Council, has enjoyed a long association with the centre.

He first became involved at the tender age of 16, when he became a member of its committee while attending the local youth club. It spawned an association spanning around five decades, with his children and grandchildren going on to use it regularly.

The 62-year-old said: “I have lived in Knightswood all my life. It is incredibly satisfying to see the project nearly coming to fruition.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” Recently appointed to directly oversee the goings-on at the centre is new manager, Kelly Kennedy, who will lead a team of six staff and report to the board of trustees.

She said: “I’m very excited about the project here in Knightswood.

“We will be able to operate with the community in mind which will add a personal touch.

“I have worked in community groups before but the team here has shown incredible determination and it will be a huge achievement when the centre formally comes under community management; it’s an exciting time.” Various repairs are taking place prior to the transfer of the facility including work to the roof, windows and car park. Plans are also afoot to establish a bustling, vibrant cafe there.

Mrs Kennedy continued: “The cafe should be the heart of the place, a thriving venue where local people can meet to enjoy meals or a coffee.

“It’s an important part of the overall picture and we hope people will really make the most of it.” Mr Lindsay paid tribute to the the organisations involved in the handover and added: “The notion of taking on the centre first came about five years ago when Glasgow Life suggested the idea of community ownership.

“Since then, we have had tremendous support from Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council throughout the project.

“At no stage have we been left on our own. They have been a big help.” The handover of Knightswood Community Centre is due to take place on October 5.

Commenting on the transfer, a spokesman for Glasgow Life, said: “We are grateful for all of the hard work and commitment afforded by Knightswood SCIO and the local community in advance of the forthcoming community asset transfer of Knightswood Community Centre.

“This thriving community centre, one of the busiest in the city, plays an integral part in the lives of local residents of all ages. We wish Kelly and her team continued success for many more years to come."