The Panmurefield Baptist Centre could be transformed into a much-needed community hub for hundreds of families on Dundee’s eastern edge.
The building has housed a number of events in recent years under a previous guise as Panmurefield Village Church.
It closed its doors in June last year and was donated into the care of Broughty Ferry Baptist Church which is now keen that it becomes a vibrant new facility.
There has been major housing development in the area in recent years, with Broughty Ferry expanding out along the Arbroath road.
The church believes that the new homes have not been well enough served with community facilities particularly ones aimed at young people and hopes to rectify that.
Senior congregation members have been working with residents over a number of months to find out how best to use the space they have available.
That will continue as they bid to fill the calendar with events and attractions and open the centre’s doors to local groups and activities for all ages.
Secretary Dale Anderson said: “The long-term goal is of course to see regular worship held here as it has been in the past but we want to see the centre used for more than just that.
“The centre is one of the few community buildings in this area and we want to see it used to serve each and every person who lives here.
“We will open it up to any and all community groups while the church itself plans to put on events throughout the year.”
That process is already well under way as the centre has been the venue for fireworks, bonfire and Christmas Carol events for the past three years, together with an annual garden party.
There have also been regular family events and classes such as a Friday parent and toddler group and “Boogie Babies” sessions.
It’s those recurring events that the church believes will serve to cement the place of the centre in the community consciousness.
“The church is looking to expand these activities and that is why we set up a group to collate information about the Panmurefield area, obtain the views of those who already use the centre and ask local people what they want to see the centre used for,” Mr Anderson said.
“We need to do more of that, but we have already received very useful feedback as to what people want to see happening.
“We already have a part-time children and family officer and that is an area that we want to see grow.
“It’s early days as we’ve been working on this project for just six months but this is an exciting time for us,” he continued.
“We want to work with and offer something to all age groups in this area not just children and young families and that will be our challenge for the future.”
The work has been welcomed by Ferry councillor Laurie Bidwell, who said: “I was pleased to hear that the future of this building has been secured for worship and wider community use as it is the only building of its type in Panmurefield.
“Every neighbourhood needs somewhere for local community organisations to meet.
“The purpose-built multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and adjacent parking make this an important potential community hub.
“In addition to the continuing use of the hall by the local playgroup, I understand the centre will soon be available for more lettings for community purposes.”