BASKETBALLSCOTLAND WORKS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY TO REOPEN AND MANAGE EASTERHOUSE SPORTS CENTRE
basketballscotland has welcomed the news that Glasgow City council have accepted a bid spearheaded by basketball’s governing body to take over the lease for Easterhouse Sports Centre, in partnership with other community-based organisations in the area. Easterhouse Sports Centre has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Easterhouse Community Sports Hub Partnership’s (ECSHP) – comprised of basketballscotland, the Phoenix Community Centre and the Easterhouse Community Sports Hub – will now enter formal contract negotiations with Glasgow City Council. The Partnership has been in discussions with Glasgow City Council regarding the future of the facility since 2020. The Centre has two sports halls, a gym, changing facilities, a general-purpose meeting room and various office spaces.
The ECSHP endeavours to provide affordable and inclusive opportunities to participate in basketball, and a range of other physical and social activities. All three organisations are actively working to make a positive impact in the local community through delivery of activities focussed on improving health and wellbeing, reducing isolation, supporting young people to access positive activities, tackling personal challenges and contributing to reduced anti-social behaviour.
Speaking of Glasgow City Council’s decision, Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive of basketballscotland said: “We look forward to being able to develop a home for sport and activities that brings the community together, improves social, mental and physical health, and becomes a hub for creating a positive impact in the local community, with basketball as a key feature. We know that basketball, sport in general and physical activity, can change lives. We are making a long-term commitment to be to be at the heart of the Easterhouse community and to be a positive presence that helps to reshape the community. We’re delighted that Glasgow City Council has supported the Partnership’s plans and vision for the centre and its place in the community.”
Speaking of the future plans for the facility, Stephen Ferguson, Chair of basketballscotland, said: “This is great news for the local community and for our sport. Working with Glasgow City Council and the community of Easterhouse has been a hugely positive and rewarding experience, and we’re excited about what we can achieve in the future. We hope that operating facilities right at the heart of disadvantaged communities can become a model for how sports look to make a real impact in people’s lives.”
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Neighbourhood Assets at Glasgow City Council, commented: “The plan put forward by the partnership and the experience of the members involved fills me with confidence that better days are indeed ahead for Easterhouse Sports Centre. Supporting community organisations to take a lead on the management of local assets has enabled greater investment and better service deliver for local people and I look forward to working with the partnership to deliver for the people of Easterhouse.”
Notes to editors
The former male professional basketball franchise Glasgow Rocks had made a late bid to take over the Easterhouse Sports Centre. The bid was withdrawn when the franchise came under new ownership as Caledonia Gladiators. The new owners are building a separate custom-built arena for both female and male professional basketball teams.
