Centre's benefit from investment programme
Published 1 Feb 2012 08:00
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THE new look Lochgelly Centre has re-opened with a selection of services available again.
The new bigger and brighter Centre will be officially opened on St Valentine's Day, but from last week the library, local office information services, box office and café opened for the public.
Other services, including the theatre, arts classes and ICT Centre are set to open in the next few weeks giving Fifers a chance to access a wide range of council services in addition to the theatre and arts classes the Lochgelly Centre is already well known for.
Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of the Housing and Communities committee, got the chance to visit the new Centre along with Councillor Willie Clarke chair of the Cowdenbeath Area committee on its first day.
He said, "I'm sure when people step through the door of the new Lochgelly Centre for the first time they will be as impressed as I have been with the refurbishment.
"The transformation is truly amazing and the new glass fronted extension is the perfect setting for the modern, new Jennie Lee library and reception area. The council's capital investment of £2.5 million has really helped bring new life to this much-loved facility and will improve access to council services as well as culture for the local community."
Councillor Clarke told the Times, "I was absolutely delighted to be able to see at first hand the magnificent facility we have here.
"It has been a bit of a wait for people but I am sure that they will be delighted with the facilities that are now available in the heart of the community."
Local SNP Councillor Ian Chisholm said, "I am really glad to see the new Centre finally open for business. It has been a project I have been deeply involved in since we took on the Administration way back in 2007.
"At that time there were three options for the Centre's future which was in some doubt as it was in a shocking state of repair unsurprisingly as little money had been spent on it since it was built. There was a serious possibility it was beyond saving and a new building was just too expensive.
"We decided to invest some £2.4 million in a major refurbishment programme and happily that is now complete and the building is looking fantastic. It would have been nice to get the theatre up to a higher standard but given these constrained economic times we did our best and it has been freshened up. I am hopeful that we can spend more on that part of the building in years to come but the main thing is the roof and structure is now in top condition ready to serve the people of Lochgelly and Fife for another 50 years."
Mr Chisholm continued, "It's a pity the timescale slipped so much but like all building work you don't really know the problems you have until you start taking things apart. There was the horrific surprise of lots more asbestos in nooks and crannies that were not on the buildings plans....that had to be made safe then cleaned out.
"Then there was the day a dumper truck discovered one of the old Lochgelly mines and nearly disappeared.....again extra money had to be found to fill the cavity. But in the end we have a Centre to be proud of.
"I love the new library and the airy light space with tables for a cup of tea and a quiet read. One of the very innovative things we have done is to move local services into the Centre and the staff there have been trained to deal with not only Library queries but first line queries on the Council's services. This is going to save us money which can be usefully spent on front line services.
"There is another suite of computers ready for a variety of courses to be run by Carnegie College it all adds up to bringing people in and to add to the buzz that is evident already "
In conclusion the Councillor said, "Public toilets in the town have been an issue and I worked closely with the management at the start of the project to make sure we had public toilets built into the Centre.
"These are now there for for the public's benefit and are open to passers-by but I do sincerely hope the facility is respected by all and we don't see any wanton damage.
"The arts and crafts, dance studios and a full theatre program will be rolled out with the official opening on 14th February but of course the Cafe and other areas are open to the public now.
"I know the staff are looking forward to the open days on 15th to 18th February where you can join the conducted tours organised.
"I have already asked many locals what they thought of the new Centre....the smiles said it all....the folk of the town are proud of our new Centre....this is a real boost for Lochgelly"
Councillor Mark Hood said, "It's a real plus for the community to see the Lochgelly Centre re-open and marks an important step forward in the town's redevelopment.
"The new centre is a credit to the hard work of local people who have been working tirelessly for many years to regenerate our town.
"The key now is for us to see a strong programme of events put together to mark a new start in the Centre's future. In many ways the not having the Centre available for so long has brought home to local people how important the facility is to the community."
The theme chosen for the new library recalls the mining past of Lochgelly, but has a bold modern twist.
The decor is intended to reflect the loch of the community's name and a range of blues and greys have been used but there is also an orange accent splash of colour in the children's area and a quirky mural.
Many new books are available for customers as well as nine computers with free internet access. There are also new self-service units to try, activity tables and chairs for children and a study table for adults along with comfortable, colour co-ordinated seating where customers can relax, read and enjoy looking out from the glazed frontage at the world outside passing by.
The Centre's new café, Lilly's, has also opened for business. Offering a selection of light meals, hot drinks, soups and salads, Lilly's comfortable seated area is located adjacent to the main reception.
The café is also offering breakfasts until 11.30am, and will provide a bar service on show nights.
The Lochgelly Centre will be managed by ON at Fife on behalf of Fife Council.
As part of Fife Council's Customer Management Programme, a series of refurbishment projects will provide customers with a modern welcoming environment.
The moves will also mean the council can use the buildings it owns more efficiently and continue the process of getting rid of surplus buildings. Glenrothes was the first in line for a refurbishment and opened to the public in January. They have since refurbished and integrated facilities in Methil, Oakley, Leven and Valleyfield as part of a wider rolling programme.
The new Lochgelly library at the Centre is named after Jennie Lee, who was born in Lochgelly in 1904, and became the youngest member of the House of Commons in 1929.
A passionate campaigner for a number of causes, she was never afraid to express her beliefs. In 1964, she was appointed Arts Minister and held an important role in the formulation of the Open University.
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