Bothwell Community Hall, has been granted a lifeline from Bothwell Futures (BF) amidst economic challenges faced by South Lanarkshire Council (SLC). Despite not initially being on the list for potential closures, concerns about its financial viability arose due to limited operational hours and stagnant revenue streams.
Operating with restricted hours, primarily servicing existing fixed-length bookings, the Hall’s sustainability came under scrutiny, with costs exceeding incoming revenue by a significant margin. The stark reality was that without intervention, closure seemed inevitable by 2025.
Kevin Moore, Chair of Bothwell Futures, emphasized the significance of the hall’s preservation, “Bothwell Community Hall is more than just a building; it’s the heart of our community. Its closure would have been a devastating loss for us all.
“In the summer of 2023, Bothwell Futures initiated discussions with SLC regarding a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to secure the hall’s future. Despite initial reservations from SLC, our commitment to preserving this vital community asset remained steadfast.”
Responding swiftly to the impending threat, Bothwell Futures proposed assuming financial responsibility for Bothwell Community Hall for one year, through a CAT LIGHT application. Collaborative efforts between BF, SLC, and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) culminated in the approval of a one-year lease which, in addition, automatically secures Bothwell Library for at least 12 months.
Moore continued, “When the 2024 list of potential closures was announced, Bothwell Library, housed within Bothwell Community HUB, shockingly appeared on the list. This decision seemed to disregard earlier assurances from local authority representatives regarding the viability of the library within the new HUB model.
“While the handover date for the hall is pending confirmation, Bothwell Futures remains dedicated to exploring avenues for its sustainable operation,” stated Moore. “We recognise its potential as a versatile venue for various community activities, and we are committed to leveraging this potential to meet the evolving needs of Bothwell.
“Bothwell’s limited building assets highlight the significance of the Community Hall’s preservation. As the new Community HUB continues to make positive strides in enriching the village, Bothwell Futures is determined to extend this impact through the revitalisation of the Community Hall.”