BARHILL COMMUNITY Centre has launched a crowdfunding page to raise £5,000 for the next phase of the centre’s refurbishment project.

A considerable amount of internal refurbishment has taken place in the 113-year-old building over the last four years, including installation of 50 new double glazed windows and internal redecoration.

The next phase of the refurbishment equates to almost £45,000 which will be aided by a cash injection from the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, but volunteers hope the local community can help secure the remaining £5,000 so the centre can continue on for another 100 years.

Shaun Lowrie, volunteer, said: “The centre is accessed by over 30 different groups a week, from mothers and toddlers to Cumnock widows.

“In 2016, the centre was falling to pieces but Cumnock Area Musical Production Society saw it more as an asset than a liability. The first thing we did was come up with a phased plan on what the next few year’s refurbishment would look like.

“We’re in this for the long haul. We want to keep it as a welcoming community hub recognised by local people. This is a building that that has stood the test of time.”

He added: “If a wheelchair user or individual with limited mobility comes into the centre, they have to enter via the back door. It’s horrendous because everyone who uses the community facility should be able to enter appropriately, so for us ramp access is massive.

“The Cumnock and District Blind Club have also requested mats around the corridors to help them navigate the building more easily. We also want to increase the usability of the centre by putting in an acoustic soundproof divide.

“The ceilings also haven’t been fixed in over 100 years so we’re making progress to sustain it and protect it for future generations.

“We hope we can start providing more services and possibly recruit members of staff in the future. We’ll also continue to run the Food Larder when we reopen and will look at other ways of supporting those experiencing food insecurity.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/barrhillcentre or for more information contact secretary@camps.me.uk