Manhattan Works to be turned into community centre

Part of a former mill is to be turned into a community dance, performing arts and sports centre.

Social enterprise Showcase the Street has been awarded £170,000 by Social Investment Scotland (SIS) to support the project at Manhattan Works on Dundonald Street.

Work is due to start soon on transforming the building, creating a dance studio, music rooms and a multi-sports pitch suitable for football, rugby and athletics.

Showcase chairman Fergus Storrier said: “Dance, performing arts and sport all have the potential to help young people build confidence and self-esteem by giving them a safe place to spend time and express themselves.

“The new centre will be closer to the people who need it and provide modern facilities for the community, allowing us to reach more young people across the city.

“We are excited to have now secured funding for the project and look forward to getting started at the site this month.”

SIS chief executive Alastair Davis said: “This refurbishment will strengthen the organisation’s business model, providing them with long-term revenue streams.”

The centre should be open in March.