The asset transfer, by lease, of the council owned property at 84 Old Mill Road was agreed at the Housing and Technical Resources Committee.

Chair of the Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Council Davie McLachlan said: “I am delighted that the committee has approved this asset transfer which will allow this facility to re-open for use by the local community.

“Councils being able to help local organisations in this way was the reason why the Community Empowerment Act was introduced.

“I am confident that the move will not only breathe new life back into a building that has been closed for almost a year but will provide many people with the chance to take part in health and fitness activities.”

Councillors sitting David Milne Centre in Uddingston is to be taken over by Rivals School of Martial Arts.

The asset transfer, by lease, of the council owned property at 84 Old Mill Road on the committee were advised that the property had been closed since March 2023 and is currently vacant.

Sam Allan, co-founder of Rivals School of Martial Arts, said: “We are delighted to have the support from council staff who have helped make this possible. The club looks forward to everything being signed off so that we can get started on moving into the premises and welcoming new members from the local community.

“This is another exciting opportunity for our martial arts school to further our commitment to transforming lives through martial arts and working with the local community to make a positive change.”

Rivals School of Martial Arts works with Active Schools, school partnerships, Routes to Work, Children with Autism and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. It also works with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and other charities and third sector organisations. The organisation currently operates from three other facilities.

Also approved by the Housing and Technical Resources Committee was a concessionary lease of Hareleeshill Sports Barn, Donaldson Road, Larkhall to Rivals School of Martial Arts. Rivals approached the council with a request for an annual lease to let the facility re-open as a sports facility, community hall and offices.

And the committee also agreed that a concessionary lease be granted to the LEAP Project for the former Spittal Community Centre, Carrick Road, Rutherglen and former Toll Pitch Community Hall, Hamilton Road, Cambuslang.

LEAP approached the council with a request to re-open these facilities for community use as quickly as possible, again testing the viability of a future Community Asset Transfer. Operating since 1992, LEAP manages several properties in the area, providing facilities for educational, health and recreational activities and resources to the residents in the Cambuslang area.

The Community Asset Transfer scheme is operated under the Community Empowerment Scotland Act 2015 and entitles any suitably constituted community group to apply to lease or purchase land from relevant authorities which includes local councils.

If you are a local community group and would like to know more about the opportunities for asset transfer please email communityassets@southlanarkshire.gov.uk