Support for Fountain Hall community hub

Lesmahagow Development Trust (LDT) secured just over £21,100 from the Orit Cumberhead Community Fund to make major roof repairs, complementing other funding raised to sort out the heating system and install a high-quality community noticeboard at the area’s vital community hub known as ‘The Fountain’.  

Background
Lesmahagow Development Trust (LDT), formed in 2009, funds and delivers projects that enhance the facilities and environment of Lesmahagow.  The Trust provides community facilities, grants, and activities to local residents, aiming to create sustainable community spaces, deliver social and economic opportunities, and strengthen intergenerational links.  Its support extends to assets such as Brockettsbrae Allotments, Billy's Shop, affordable housing, and the Fountain Hall Community Centre, collectively benefiting several thousand local people each year.

Fountain Hall (known locally as ‘The Fountain’ is situated in the town centre and serves as a popular hub for local groups and events.  As the only hall of its size centrally located, particularly following local council budget cuts and the closure of the leisure centre, it plays an important role for residents.  Between 15 and 20 groups use the space regularly, some weekly and others monthly.  The Hall is owned by South Lanarkshire Council and managed by LDT under a 25-year full repairing lease, placing responsibility for ongoing maintenance entirely with the Trust.

The Challenge
Long-standing maintenance issues have threatened the sustainability of The Fountain as a community asset.  The building has faced major roofing and drainage problems that risked water ingress and further deterioration.  A gas safety inspection had highlighted urgent needs for heating system upgrades, with particular concern for the boiler serving the soft play area, which needed to remain warm and accessible for families.  Additionally, the Trust identified a need for improved community communications through better noticeboards.

Without these improvements, the building faced a risk of costly emergency repairs that would disrupt community activities.  The service would become less dependable, potentially leading to cancelled events, compromised community cohesion, and ongoing deterioration that could eventually result in closure.  This would further limit access to vital community space in an area already affected by the loss of the leisure centre. Community surveys consistently highlighted a shortage of high-quality facilities and activities in Lesmahagow.  The Lesmahagow Community Council Action Plan and LDT's 2023 Consultation and Business Plan Update noted that while there was strong community spirit, residents felt more could be done to improve the town, particularly through facilities for young people, older people, and those with additional needs.

Impact
Roof repairs addressed roofing and drainage issues to ensure the building was watertight and protected from further deterioration.  Funded separately, heating system and plumbing work included the replacement of one boiler, three pumps, and a waste pipe.  Priority was given to the boiler in the soft play area to ensure it remained warm and accessible for families.  A high-quality external noticeboard was installed to improve community communications.  

The improvements helped maintain and improve The Fountain as a high-quality, reliable community venue, safeguarding it for long-term use.  The Hall has continued to provide a dependable, welcoming environment for local groups and individuals, with around 500 people expected to benefit each year through use of the renovated facility. Upgraded plumbing and heating systems improved efficiency, while the installation of the noticeboard has strengthened communication with residents, ensuring information was accessible to all.  

By addressing urgent maintenance needs, the overall refurbishment works have helped build inclusion, social connection, and pride in Lesmahagow's community hub.  The improved sustainability of the Hall increased energy efficiency, contributing to the Trust's broader commitment to embedding net-zero technologies across all its properties, including LED lighting, modern insulation, and air source heat pumps. 

Looking forward, the Trust planned to focus the next round of work on windows, woodwork, and general efficiency improvements now that the safety and security of the space had been secured.  The funding directly safeguarded the future of a key community facility in Lesmahagow, ensuring it remained an accessible and welcoming space for all residents.

Final Thoughts 
Community hubs play a central role in ensuring social cohesion, particularly in areas where other facilities have been lost.  The Fountain demonstrates how targeted investment in essential maintenance can safeguard community spaces for future generations.  The project highlights the importance of supporting community organisations that hold long-term leases for public buildings.  

Such organisations often carry significant responsibility for maintaining ageing infrastructure yet lack the capital reserves that might be available to local authorities or larger organisations.  Strategic funding for essential repairs enables them to fulfil their maintenance obligations whilst continuing to deliver valuable community services.  For Lesmahagow, the improvements to The Fountain represented more than building maintenance.  They secured a welcoming, dependable venue at the heart of the town where residents of all ages can connect, participate in activities, and strengthen community bonds.  In doing so, the Fund helped to support and protected an irreplaceable community asset and ensured it will continue serving local people for years to come.  

Read more about the Orit Cumberhead Community Fund