The future is looking bright for the Brisbane Centre on Largs seafront after full ownership of the building was taken over by a Men’s Shed.
The centre, in Bath Street, belongs to Clyde Coast and Cumbrae Men’s Shed following a recent North Ayrshire Council Cabinet meeting, where it was agreed to sell the property to the group through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT).
Men’s Sheds give people in communities across Scotland a place to meet up and make new friends, and also learn new skills and enjoy practical things like woodwork.
The CAT means ownership of the property has been transferred from North Ayrshire Council at a cost of £3,700.
It will be used as a base for the Men’s Shed to host community-based activities, focusing on the group’s key priorities and providing a space for men to come together and support each other.
The council supports communities to make the best use of land and assets that are available as part of its Community Wealth Building ambitions, which see wealth being retained in North Ayrshire thanks to the local authority and its partners increasing employment and using local produce and resources.
As well as supporting residents to develop services in their neighbourhood, Community Asset Transfers allow groups to create successful commercial ventures that generate a community benefit.
They can also mean that public assets are used more often and more effectively, and can potentially lead to wider opportunities for groups to secure additional funding and resources.
The Shed got up and running in 2021 and covers Largs, Skelmorlie, the Cumbraes, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Seamill.
Members participate in various events including Largs Viking Festival and local craft fares – where they sell goods they make through upcycling and woodwork sessions and raise awareness of what they do.
Clyde Coast and Cumbrae Men’s Shed is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Anyone who wants to pop along during these times to find out more is guaranteed a warm welcome.
The Shed is happy to consider commissioned work for other groups and businesses, and you can get more information by emailing cccmensshed@gmail.com
There is a national network of Men’s Sheds and you can find out more about one near you online at the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association.
