AN Inverclyde horticulture charity has secured £400,000 to build a new community hub in Port Glasgow.
Launched in 1997, Parklea Branching Out grows fruit, vegetables, and plants to sell to support its work in providing skills and training in horticulture to people with additional needs.
The charity secured £1.1 million from the Scottish Government in late 2021 to create the new multi-purpose facility within its Port Glasgow base. However, due to rising prices, the project cost has gone up – which left the charity with a shortfall of £400,000.
Inverclyde Council said the increase left the project in jeopardy, so has backed it with £200,000 which will be match-funded by the Scottish Government. The local authority has also pledged an extra £50,000 if required due to the ongoing financial volatility.
As part of the project, improvements will be made to existing facilities and outdoor areas and allow for the creation of a new building featuring offices, meeting spaces, accessible toilets and changing rooms, a community café, training facilities, and garden retail space.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of policy and resources, said, “Myself and my fellow councillors recognise what a significant development this will be not just for the people of Port Glasgow but the whole of Inverclyde so we’re pleased to be able to continue supporting Parklea Branching Out to get this worthwhile project over the line.
“Sharon and the team have done fantastic work over the last 26 years growing this wonderful organisation into what it is today and the creation of a bespoke base here at Parklea will allow the charity to continue to flourish.
“The new facility will also transform a rather unsightly area on the Port Glasgow waterfront into a vibrant community hub to be enjoyed by service users, staff, volunteers and visitors.”
Sharon Gemmell, manager of Parklea Branching Out, added, “We are really pleased to have been granted this additional funding from both the Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council and we’d like to thank them for their continued support. We have worked closely with the council in order to secure this final piece of funding for our new community hub.
“The hub will be a great addition to the Parklea facility and will be an exciting new space for the whole community to use. We look forward to opening our doors to new visitors.”
