Work begins on community centre expansion

A transformative extension to the popular Lochvale House and Let's Get Sporty community centre in Dumfries began this week.

- SHARON LIPTROTT

The development will include a new soft play centre for children and young people, alongside a welcoming café and meeting space.

The construction work—which will continue through to summer next year—is being made possible thanks to generous support from The Holywood Trust, South of Scotland Enterprise, the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, and Dumfries and Galloway Council. The build is being delivered by Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd.

Lochvale House is a vital employability and family facility, offering support for parents, children, and individuals seeking pathways into work and training.

The upgraded centre will actively work to tackle employment barriers and bring the local labour market closer together, creating opportunities for collaboration between jobseekers, employers, and support services.