Proposals have been submitted to turn a vacant care home in Lanark into a base for the area’s community health initiative.
Mairi McAllan MSP says Healthy Valleys are aiming to take on the former McClymont House as a permanent base under the community asset transfer process, and she has now written to South Lanarkshire Council in support of their application.
Council officials say an application is being considered and that the future community benefit of the site, “earmarked as housing”, will be taken into account.
McClymont House closed earlier this year – despite a passionate campaign by residents’ families to retain the 18-bed nursing home – along with Dewar House in Hamilton in a £1.5 million budget saving by South Lanarkshire’s integrated joint board.
Clydesdale representative Ms McAllan, who opposed the closure, says she still believes closing the Lanark facility “was the wrong decision” and said: “The council now has an opportunity to find a more positive ending to a very disappointing episode, allowing the building to continue to serve a community purpose by housing one of Clydesdale’s most important charitable organisations.”
Writing to the council, she said: The proposed plans include a cooking and training academy, multi-purpose spaces for activities, a children’s play area and a bike workshop. The facility will also support the growth of Healthy Valleys’ social enterprises, such as Gear Up and the AVOC training academy.”
Ms McAllan told Lanarkshire Live: “It was deeply disappointing when McClymont House care home was closed, against the wishes of my constituents. As MSP, I stood alongside the families and constituents to keep the doors open; my hope now is that this project can offer a silver lining in a disappointing episode.
“There are longstanding socio-economic challenges in our rural constituency which I am determined are addressed [and] to that end I wholeheartedly support this proposal from Healthy Valleys, and hope that it can bring a positive, community-orientated end. I ask that South Lanarkshire Council acquiesce to this request so that Healthy Valleys can continue their vital work and so that McClymont House continues to serve our community.”
She wrote to South Lanarkshire officials backing the community asset application and highlighted the benefits of helping Healthy Valleys to move into a permanent home, as well as proposed sustainability measures including renewable energy and net zero plans for the facility.
Ms McAllan wrote: “Such a transfer would enable this fantastic local organisation to transform the building into a multi-purpose community hub and enterprise facility with the potential to significantly benefit rural South Lanarkshire and contribute to the long-term wellbeing of individuals and families while addressing health inequalities.
“Healthy Valleys has a proven track record of over 20 years [and] is deeply embedded within the community. Rural South Lanarkshire faces significant challenges [which] contribute to higher levels of health inequalities and social exclusion – Healthy Valleys has been at the forefront of addressing these.
“Securing McClymont House as a permanent base will allow [them] to continue expanding these critical services, offering much-needed support to even more people in rural communities. Transformation into a vibrant, flexible community hub will not only preserve an important local asset but also foster stronger communities, reduce isolation and provide opportunities to engage in life-changing activities.”
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “We have received an application, and it is under consideration.
“Considerations will include the best community benefit that could be made from the site, which has previously been earmarked for progressive housing.”
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