Work is about to commence next month (May 2005), on a new community learning campus at Dale Street, Bridgeton. The £1.3m project is being funded by various bodies such as the European Regional Development Fund Strathclyde Partnership, Glasgow City Council, Communities Scotland, the Big Lottery and East End Social Inclusion Partnership. This new style community facility will provide an opportunity for people to train into different jobs.

George Redmond is councillor for Bridgeton/Dalmarnock and he was instrumental in organising an open meeting in 2003 to discuss the project: “We brought the various groups in the area together to talk about what was wanted and from this we appointed a steering group. Our objective was to ensure that the people of Bridgeton were not left behind in its regeneration and this learning campus will provide a local place to train or learn different job skills.”, he said.

A feasibility study was commissioned following this meeting to consider alternatives and it was from this report that the basis of an application for funding was produced.

Glasgow project managers, CRGP Limited were appointed to act as employer’s agent. Following the invitation to tender, a contractor, PBL Construction, has been appointed to construct the project.

The new facility is expected to be ready for occupancy later this year when a variety of uses are envisaged. It is intended that locally based opportunities will be available for adults who may not be able to attend a main college.

Brian McAleenan is chief executive of the East End Partnership, one of the partners who were involved in the project. He outlines the purpose behind this innovative campus: “We sought to provide learning opportunities in the community of Bridegton, which is an area without a facility that helps people with a chance to get training,” he said. “There are many jobs in Glasgow that are not being filled because there is a shortage of people with the necessary skills. Many are in the customer care and contact sector, some are in hospitality, catering or hotel work.

“We need to help prepare the people of Bridgeton to access those job opportunities. The Bridgeton Community Learning Campus will provide that function.”

The facility will also provide a centre for the local community to participate in organised events and programmes and a place to generally meet up.