“…it’s a building that has a special place in my heart… I look forward to seeing Kinning Park Complex thrive in future.” Nicola Sturgeon
The Kinning Park Complex is an independent multi use community space in the Southside of Glasgow. After years of uncertainty the complex is finally on the way to securing a long term future. A future it believes should be in the hands of local people, providing services developed for and governed by the community.
Inhabiting a building threatened with closure on more than one occasion and with major issues affecting the roof, heating and electrics hitting a critical point last winter, the future of the Kinning Park Complex was not looking good.
After securing £200,000 from Scottish Land Fund to enable the transfer of the building into the hands of the community and nearly £1,000,000 from the Big Lottery, plans to start major renovations are underway. This work will go a long way to making this communities dreams of a bigger, brighter future a reality.
However there is still a lot of work to be done. An additional £700,000 is needed to complete the refurbishment plans. Concerns for the health and wellbeing of regular service users when the building closes for refurbishment, particularly those who rely on their weekly community meals programme is at the forefront of the minds of the small staff team.
The Kinning Park Complex has launched a crowdfunding campaign asking for help to cover the costs of being able to continue its core community projects and to help develop a membership scheme that will put the building in the hands of local people.
Martin Avila, Development Director of the Kinning Park Complex says “We’ve taken some very important first steps on the journey, but there is a long way to go and we can’t do it alone! Building a membership that really oversees the work we do, pushing forward with vital, renovations and keeping core services going at the same time is a big ask and we need your help to do it! If you believe in the work of the Kinning Park Complex, now is the time to get involved and support our work. We’re building a bigger brighter future for the KPC and every little bit of support helps bring that future closer.”
“We are actively fundraising ourselves and have raised over £5,000 in the last 6 months through organising events. We have two more fundraisers before Christmas, “It’s a Wonderful Rummage, a jumble sale with a difference and “Just 17” a gig with some great musicians on the line up. With a small staff team and little budget it is hard work but we know it will pay off. We have talented and dedicated people volunteering their time to help us do this.” Clare McIntyre, Events and Communications officer, Kinning Park Complex.
Kinning Park Complex has always been a place for people to realise their dreams and ambitions, a space for those who need a platform and support to get their ideas off the ground. It’s a place where people seek advice and friendship. It is a family where everyone is welcome. Kinning Park Complex wants to be more democratic and be the voice for those who feel they aren’t being heard.
Staff, volunteers and visitors to the Kinning Park Complex were delighted to meet the First Minister when she visited recently. You can watch her message of support online.
Kinning Park Complex would love to hear from you if you would like to help in other ways too. Volunteering, organising fundraising events and spreading the word about what they do.
