By STACEY MULLEN

EAST End residents may finally get the shop it has needed for more than a decade as plans for a new community centre take a step forward.

Spire View Housing Association has officially submitted planning permission to turn a church hall in Roystonhill into a state-of-the-art community hub which will benefit everyone.

The building will also feature a shop and café – something the area has missed for at least 15 years.

Those in support of the project – Fiona Murphy, who is director of Spire View Housing Association and Councillor Allan Stewart – say residents currently travel to either Alexander Parade or Royston Road for food basics such as milk and bread because of a lack of facilities on the ‘hill.

The community centre would also include an ATM which is another facility the area lacks.

If the community centre project is granted planning permission and acquires the needed funding, building work could start as soon as next year.

Fiona said: “It would be a community facility that is suitable for the needs of the local community.

“There is a number of community buildings in the local area at the minute but none of them are fit for purpose anymore.

“We are creating something which is much more focused towards the actual needs of the community now.”

She added: “There has been shops in the ‘hill many years ago but that last time I remember one was about 15 years ago and there has been nothing since.

“I have worked here 23 years now and we have consistently said we need a shop on the ‘hill.”

Councillor Stewart said: “Community facilities are short. To have a major shop and ATM, it would make a big difference to people

“Quite a number of areas in Glasgow are getting new community centres and this is so important here.

“If we get a shop and not only that if there is a nice lounge area you could have engagements, birthdays etc

“It becomes a major hub and part of the area.”

The project has received funding from a variety of sources – and more bids are expected to be put in as plans move forward.

The Scottish Government's Regeneration and Capital Grant Fund gave £575,000 towards the project while the lottery has granted £68,734.

Fiona said that another lottery funding bid will be put forward.

The centre would also be a base for a variety of clubs in the area for children, over 50s and other groups.

In addition, the housing association will provide their services via the centre.

The project has been five years in the making, and it is hoped it will be given the official go-ahead by November.