The impressive facility, built next to Gibshill Children’s Centre in Smillie Street, is set to become the heart of the local community.

It marks an exciting new chapter for residents who have been fighting for a hall for the past 10 years after the previous facility was demolished by Inverclyde Council.

Council leader Stephen McCabe, who was leader of the then-opposition Labour group and chair of the Gibshill Task Group when the community centre closed in 2004, was blown away by the new centre.

He said: “When I walked in I was very impressed by what I saw -—it certainly has the ‘wow factor’.

“The people involved in delivering this should be commended as they have provided an excellent facility for the community where people can come together and socialise.

“It has been a long time coming but it has been worth the wait as it will be an asset for the community.” The new centre — being run by volunteers under the newly-formed Gibshill Community Centre SCIO (Scottish Charity Incorporated Organisation) — boasts a large hall, a meeting room which can hold up to 12 people and a cafe with outdoor seating which will be fully open by the end of the month.

Arlene Mailey, a voluntary events co-ordinator at the centre, wants people living in the neighbourhood to help shape the centre.

She told the Tele: “The official opening was very successful as lots of people came along and we had really good feedback.

“Now we are inviting people to put forward their ideas about what activities they would like to see at the centre.

“We also want to let people know that the hall is available to hire.” Arlene was also keen to thank the Gibshill Residents’ Association, who took the project forward, as well as Cllr McCabe, Provost Robert Moran, Cllr Michael McCormick and several council officials for their support.

Anyone who would like to hire the hall or put their ideas across for activities should phone 07967 118858.