A TOP class community facility has finally opened its doors after six years in the making.

The Phoenix Centre in Easterhouse has risen from the ashes of a former disused library to become a hub of sports, music, art and learning for people of all ages.

Richard McShane, whose ambition it was to open the centre, said he is "delighted" that his dreams have finally become a reality.

Dozens of people turned out to celebrate the official opening of the centre last week, with local community workers, activists and politicians all visiting the venue on Shandwick place.

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They were stunned at its transformation, from a ruined, empty shell into a bright, colourful sprawling facility kitted out for an array of activities.

Local teenager Lizzie Ferguson was given the honour of cutting the ribbon and officially launching the centre.

The special honour came as a shock to the 18-year-old, who suffers from a rare limb condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Lizzie, who was stunned when centre founder Richard announced she would be opening the facility, and shed a tear after her big moment.

Dad Gary Ferguson, who runs a group for disabled children in the centre, said: "She had a wee cry afterwards, she was so happy at being asked.

"Her mind is a sharp as a button, even though her body isn't. She had a great time, we were all so surprised."

Centre founder Richard said he wanted to give Lizzie the opportunity instead of a celebrity or politician as she wouldn't normally get to be in the spotlight at such an event.

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He explained: "The way she was born, the way she has to cope with life - she deserved it more than most.

"We are here to give people opportunities.

"To me, when Lizzie comes in she looks at other people who do things that she can't do but she's still cheerful, she still comes in with a smile on her face."

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Richard, who has been working on the facility for the last six years, has thanked the Evening Times for supporting him on his mission.

He said: " Without the Evening Times I wouldn't have got to where I am with it, and I'd like to thank you so much for all the support you have given me.~"

Two top-of-the-range sports courts for tennis, racketball and squash have been installed while snooker and table tennis tables have been set up and are ready to play.

A library with hundreds of books will also double up as a music room, allowing people of all ages to try out their talents.

Dozens of bikes have been collected and are being stored in a bike room, from which a cycling club is due to start up.

The bikes will be revamped and given to local children to use, who can them come and swap them for bigger bikes as they grow up.

Richard added: "The opening went really well, and when we announced who was opening it there were a few tears. Lizzie was so surprised and so were her mum and dad, who didn't know either.

Normally it's a politician or celebrity who opens these things but the Phoenix is abut empowering local; people who maybe wouldn't get an opportunity to do things like that. She was completely made up.

"People were totally surprised by what the place is like now compared to what it was like before. It was an amazing feeling. It was like a big family get together in the end, people who didn't know each other got to know each other during it.

" We have now got this facility for the community - from babies to grannies, and grandpas.

"We want to find out what ambitions people have and try to make them achieve it with the facilities we've got.

"Some of the organisations and services who have come in have been amazed, including the local health centre and police.

"They want to start referring people to come across and get involved."

Richard has put blood, sweat and tears into the development of the facility, and nearly paralysed himself after falling from a ladder during the revamp.

He hopes the centre will become a focal point in Easterhouse, helping local people improve their skills and fulfill their ambitions.

The founder said: " The phoenix is about rising up, we want people to rise.

"We want people to walk through that door and have the potential to change their life, give them opportunities. That's what this place is all about."