A £1 million refurbishment project is underway at the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate in Newton Mearns.

Helmed by the Retail Trust charity, the initiative will create a new community hub for older people and the community across East Renfrewshire.

Three disused spaces within the estate’s Crookfur House are being renovated to cater for more than 1,000 people a year and provide support for those most at risk of isolation and with long-term health needs.

The revamp includes updates to the community cafe and reception area.

Lawrence Coen, managing director of property and supported living at the Retail Trust, said: "We want to address the lack of community facilities and local support for people with long-term health conditions like dementia across East Renfrewshire.

"Refurbishing these spaces will allow us to really increase the activities and support the Retail Trust can offer both our residents and the wider community.

“We’ve worked closely with our residents and organisations like Voluntary Action, Age Concern and East Renfrewshire Council to develop our plans and we’re really pleased with the help and funding we have now secured from a number of other important partners.

"We know this new community hub will provide a real lifeline to people most at risk of isolation or with long-term health needs and it’s only being made possible thanks to our brilliant supporters.”

When the project is completed later this year, residents will have access to a variety of activities ranging from exercise classes, crafting groups, film nights, quizzes and indoor bowls.

The hub also plans to run new disability and health support groups to meet local needs in an area with the fourth highest proportion of residents with long-term health conditions in Scotland.

Owen O'Donnell, council leader at the East Renfrewshire Council, and other representatives from the council, attended a groundbreaking ceremony on May 2 to celebrate the start of the work.

Mr O'Donnell said: "It's fantastic to see this project get underway in Newton Mearns.

"The hub is the heart of this retirement village, for both residents and neighbours, and I'm sure everyone will enjoy the new, improved cafe and community spaces.

“I'm delighted we were able to support the improvements through the Scottish Government Place Based Investment and East Renfrewshire Renewable Energy Funds and look forward to seeing it complete, creating yet more community facilities for local residents and visitors to East Renfrewshire."

The hub’s progress is supported by multiple organisations including Talking Points East Renfrewshire, Men’s Shed, and Helping Hands.

Funding for the renovation has been secured from the Hugh Fraser Foundation, Scottish Power Renewables, Dobbies Garden Centres, and the council, among others.

David Robinson, chief executive officer at Dobbies Garden Centre, said: “As a nation of gardeners, we know that being able to enjoy gardens and outdoor spaces can improve our overall health and wellbeing.

"We’re proud to be partnering with the Retail Trust to provide and help create the garden living spaces for the community at the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate to enjoy."