A GREENOCK community centre’s bid to replace its building is a big step closer today thanks to a massive £1m lottery grant.

Craigend Resource Centre is celebrating the decision by Big Lottery bosses to award them £950,000, following a £40,000 investment in a development plan.

The staff and community are working together with Inverclyde Council to replace their ageing centre.

It has been the heart of the neighbourhood for the last 23 years, with a community cafe, laundry service and space for groups to meet.

Project co-ordinator Brian Power said: “We have been working towards this for the last ten years.

“Our biggest success has been bringing people together and we want to continue to do this in the future. But we need more space.”

Plans are in place for a £2.5m centre which would have a training kitchen, information and advice service, IT training suite, creche and space for meetings, events and exercise classes.

Brian, who has been involved at Craigend for 22 years, said: “Our centre is driven by people in the community — it is about what they want. 

“We are always busy.”

The centre’s board will now work with the council to put in a funding bid to the Scottish Government.

Brian added: “The new facility will help us to develop our work with the local community, in particular the elderly, children and young people and those who are especially vulnerable.

“It will create opportunities which will enhance their quality of life.”