Glasgow-based resource is an integral part of the east end community

A community asset based in Glasgow’s east end is nearing completion after years of tireless community support.

The Halliday Foundation has been confirmed as the preferred new tenant to lead the next chapter in the life of the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre. 

The Halliday Foundation is a Glasgow-based charity that works to reduce poverty, homelessness and isolation. It delivers a wide range of community-led services, including food provision, wellbeing support, employability initiatives and volunteering opportunities. 

The foundation has built a strong reputation for grassroots engagement and compassionate, person-centred work – values that align closely with the Reidvale community. 

The Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre in Dennistoun, Glasgow, has been the subject of a competitive expression of interest (EOI) process, designed to identify a long-term operator with the right credentials to manage and enhance the popular local facility. 

Since late spring, Reidvale Housing Association (RHA) has undertaken evaluation of proposals from three community-based organisations. 

Denise Dempsey, chairperson at RHA, said: “This is a space that holds deep significance for the entire community, and reaching this important stage brings us closer to securing its long-term future. 

“We are now in active discussions with the Halliday Foundation and expect to finalise the agreement shortly. 

“Throughout this process, we will ensure to keep tenants and stakeholders informed every step of the way. 

“Crucially, the centre will remain open throughout, ensuring continued access for the groups and individuals who rely on it daily.” 

RHA’s review of the centre followed a period in which the facility had been operating without a formal lease agreement – a legacy of broader organisational uncertainty that has since been addressed through comprehensive reforms and a renewed strategic focus. 

Applicants in the EOI process were asked to demonstrate not only their financial resilience, but also their capacity to deliver services tailored to the needs of the Dennistoun community with proposals evaluated against clearly defined criteria by an internal panel.

Julie Smillie, interim director at RHA, said: “It’s been a long journey, and we are confident the Halliday Foundation is the right organisation to take the centre forward. and help it thrive. 

“What really stood out was the passion and thought each group put into their proposals, it’s clear how much this place means to so many people. 

“We truly believe the centre has a bright future ahead. It will continue to be that special place where people come together, whether it’s for classes, community events, catching up with neighbours or just feeling part of something.” 

Chris Halliday, director of operations at the Halliday Foundation said: “The Halliday Foundation is honoured to have been selected as the preferred provider for the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre. 

“Our priority is to ensure a smooth and respectful transition while building on the excellent services already being delivered. We’re committed to working closely with existing partners, users, and local residents to ensure the centre remains a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering space for the entire community. 

“As part of our plans, we will be introducing a range of additional services and activities designed to benefit people of all ages – from children and families to older adults and those facing disadvantage.

“Our vision is for the centre to build on its reputation of being a vibrant, community-led hub that supports wellbeing, connection, and opportunity for everyone in the local community.” 

A formal agreement is expected to be confirmed in July, after which a handover period for the centre will commence. 

The drive to secure a new operator for The Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre is part of RHA’s wider 10-year strategic plan, which places strong emphasis on governance, service quality and empowering local communities through regeneration. 

That transformation has already seen the appointment of a refreshed management committee, adoption of a new business plan and a comprehensive asset management strategy – all designed to bring long-term benefit to the association’s 1000+ tenants. 

Founded in 1975, Reidvale Housing Association is among Scotland’s oldest community-led housing bodies and played a central role in saving Glasgow’s iconic tenement stock from demolition in the 1970s and 80s. 

Now, with financial stability restored and a forward-looking strategy in place, RHA is turning its focus to reinvestment, community partnerships and delivering modern housing and services across its 898 homes.