Last week, members and partners from across Scotland came together at the Glasgow Caledonian University for the Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) Conference 2025. The conference included inspiring talks, practical workshops, and space for people to connect with others working in community led development. 

As part of the conference, we were able to participate in a learning exchange visit to the Community Central Hall in Glasgow. This was a great opportunity to see first hand how a community owned building can provide vital services and act as a hub for local people.

Community Central Hall is more than just a building. It provides a wide range of services and activities for people of all ages, including: 

• Community Transport to over 75 local groups (9 vehicles)
• Meeting space for events and activities (over 7,000 per year)
• Pre-school nursery provision for 0-5’s (85 children on the register) – a partnership nursery
• After and out of school provision from 7 schools for 80 plus (5-14yr olds)
• Youth work weekly and holiday playscheme provision
• Employability support for over 70 people per year
• A local community fridge – food assistance project
• Older People Befriending and domestic help (c1800 hours per year)
• A community cinema
• A digital support project – hardware and skills/internet access
• A local print and graphic design service

Social Impact 

• Provides a welcoming hub where people can meet, connect, and support one another. 
• Creates volunteering and employment opportunities locally. 
• Reduces barriers to participation by offering affordable childcare, transport, and space. 
• Builds community identity and resilience by keeping a key asset in local hands.
• Give employment to around 60 people – over 44% of which live locally and 36% of which were not in employment or came from education or training prior to starting.
• CCH supports 27 other local charities and community groups through either the provision of discounted space or free space.
• Since 1975 with £11.3m of Council support/funding have directly generated over £44m into the local economy, and leveraged at least another £9.5m into local businesses from visitors to the area.

Challenges 

It is estimated that despite investment of £3.82m by CCH itself, there is approximately £10m required to bring the building back to standards, even with CCH investment in new boilers, some replacement windows, roof repairs and guttering replacement and electrical re-wiring. Recognising that GCC does not have the resources to do this – CCH believe asset transfer can unlock the funding over time to protect the building for future generations.

Why It Matters 

Community Central Hall shows the power of community ownership in action. Without it, many essential services and activities in the area would be lost. By providing childcare, youth work, elder care, learning, and spaces for people to gather, the Hall continues to make a positive difference to thousands of lives every year.