Local charity LEAP, which was founded in Cambuslang but has grown to operate throughout South Lanarkshire, took over the lease of the former Halfway Library last year and has since renovated the building to offer a practical space for the local community.

With a flexible layout, the Halfway Community Hub offers three room-options to let it adapt to a variety of uses, such as for activity groups, coffee mornings, meetings or private functions.

It is LEAP’s third hub, following facilities in Toll Pitch, Cambuslang and Spittal, Rutherglen, and was officially opened by South Lanarkshire Provost Bert Thomson, who was assisted by three very special guests: Nancy McIlree, Natalie Sutherland and Julie Smith who had worked as librarians in that same building.

That combination of quality and maximum benefit is great to see but it is not surprising, given the long history of LEAP in supporting older people and communities throughout Lanarkshire for almost a quarter of a century after starting not far from here in Cambuslang

Provost Thomson said: “Since LEAP received the keys from the council last year, they have done a remarkable job in transforming the space, making it a welcoming, well-equipped and sustainable centre.

“It’s also heartening and inspirational that so many local people and businesses have stepped forward to offer their time and expertise to help make the hub something that will be useful in so many ways for a host of groups and individuals in this area, no matter their various requirements.

“The fact that the Hub has been created in the former library is fitting, with one facility that was at the heart of a community being followed by another, and I am sure that this new resource will also prove to be invaluable to local people for many years to come.”