THE transformation of Johnstone’s old police station into a vibrant community hub is underway.

The Quarry Street building, which has lain empty since 2018, will offer event space, offices and training facilities.

Active Communities staff and volunteers also plan to use the base to lead a variety of physical activities and health and wellbeing projects.

Susan McDonald, CEO of Active Communities, told The Gazette: "Our local community have worked tirelessly to shape the plans for the project and we are excited to see the work starting.

"The building will provide a focal point for the whole community, improving health and wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation, providing training and skills development and creating jobs.

"We are so grateful for the funding for this first phase, which comes from the Scottish Government Town Centre Strategy Fund and Renfrewshire Council’s Community Empowerment Fund."

The hub will have a large open-plan section containing a lounge and kitchen, a hall for classes, small events and community cinema screenings and one-to-one meeting rooms which can be used for therapy or counselling sessions. There will also be office and meeting spaces for community groups.

Women’s initiative Kairos will operate from the building, providing a relaxing women-only space that offers social activities and personal development classes.

Active Communities staff are also keen to develop portable cabins and garages at the site, with ideas such as a youth hub and a men’s shed in the pipeline.

Plans have been drawn up by Paisley-based Cormack Gracie Architects, with Armour Construction Consultants providing cost consultancy and principal designer services. Lochlie Construction Group have been appointed as the principal contractor in the first phase of works.

Douglas Aitken, Lochlie’s managing director, said: "Externally, the scaffolding is going up in preparation for the roof and window works and, internally, we will be carrying out significant structural work to ready the building for the next phase."

The first phase of works is scheduled to be completed in February and it is hoped the majority of the hub will be up and running by September next year.