Earlier this year, GLC had accepted instructions from two clients aggrieved by the closure of the Kirkton Community Centre and Library (community centre and library) in Dundee. Proceedings for judicial review were raised in the Court of Session, Edinburgh, against Dundee City Council (DCC) in January.
in April, parties agreed that DCC would not implement the Council’s decision of 23 October 2023 to close the community centre and library. The service remained open, pending further consideration of the future of the community centre and library by DCC. Court proceedings were “sisted” – placed on hold pending reconsideration.
Both petitions for judicial review have now been settled and dismissed after DCC agreed to establish a new community centre run by local people in the Kirkton area of Dundee. A partnership between a local charity – Kirkton Community Centre SCIO – and the council has been agreed and paves the way for a purpose-built facility.
Following the closure and demolition of the current Kirkton Community Centre, the charity intends to build and run a new centre on the same site. The activities and services being delivered from that location would complement the council’s community hub model for the area, which will be based at the nearby Baldragon and St Paul’s academies.
Melanie Kiyani, Treasurer of Kirkton Community Centre SCIO, said: “Our members are residents of Kirkton, and we have ambitious plans for a new purpose-built community centre which will be run and owned by the community of Kirkton for the community of Kirkton.
“We are working in partnership with Dundee City Council to realise our ambitions. The new community centre will complement the Kirkton Community Hub model by providing space during the day where people can access a fully operational café, retail units, daily activities and support.
“The main aim of the new community centre will be to create community wealth. Funds raised through the community centre and other initiatives will go straight back into community projects for Kirkton as we are a not-for-profit organisation.”
