The Chris Mitchell Column: They Were the Beating Heart of Our Communities – Now They're Left to Rot

Locked Out and Left Behind: Glasgow’s Forgotten Community Centres

EXCLUSIVE by Chris Mitchell, GMB Convener, Glasgow

It’s been five years since Covid shut the doors of our community centres – and for many, they’ve never reopened.

These places were more than buildings; they were lifelines. From tea dances and quiz nights to karate clubs and pensioners' socials – they brought people together, gave youngsters something to do, and offered support to those who needed it most.

Now? They’re lying empty: damp, flooded, covered in graffiti, overgrown, and abandoned. And what’s worse? Nobody’s taking responsibility.

It’s time our councillors stood up and were counted.

I’ve seen the damage firsthand. I used to run a centre in Carmyle – still closed to this day. And I can tell you, the impact on people has been devastating.

Loneliness. Isolation. Vulnerable people with nowhere to go. Young people with nothing to do but hang around the streets. It’s no surprise we’re seeing a rise in anti-social behaviour – the community infrastructure has collapsed.

And what about our care workers? Lone working, often at night, with no access to transport.

I’ve heard too many stories of women being followed or sitting alone at bus stops for 20 minutes between visits. We wouldn’t accept that for our family – so why is it acceptable for them?

Why can’t community centres reopen as safe hubs? Somewhere to rest, have a cup of tea, stay dry and feel safe before heading to their next client. They look after the most vulnerable in society – but who’s looking after them?

What’s happening instead? A blame game between Glasgow Life, City Property, and the council. “Not our building.” “Not our fault.” Round and round we go while communities suffer.

The council has saved money by keeping these places shut – no heating bills, no upkeep. So where’s that money gone? Because it certainly hasn’t gone back into fixing or reopening the centres.

And it's not just Carmyle. In Maryhill, Castlemilk, Shettleston, Tollcross, Ruchill – the same sorry story. Empty buildings. Empty promises. Communities left behind.

Let’s be clear: these centres weren’t luxuries. They were essential. A roof for community groups, advice surgeries, money support, youth clubs, fitness classes, bingo, and birthday parties. Councillors used to do their surgeries there. Now? Radio silence.

What’s the plan? Keep them closed and sell them off for flats? Hope no one notices?.

Well, we notice. We remember. And we won’t let it go.

To Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life – stop passing the buck. The people of this city want answers. We want action.

It’s time every councillor was asked: What are you doing to bring back our community centres? Are you reopening them – or writing them off? Are you investing – or abandoning?

And if the answer is “community-run” – then let’s have that conversation. Let’s recruit volunteers, form committees, appoint community officers. Ask the people: What do you want in your centre? What activities? What nights?

Because here’s the truth – communities are ready. We’ve just been ignored.

It’s time to invest in people. In the places that brought our neighbourhoods together. Because when you shut the doors on community centres, you shut the door on the community itself.

To every community with a centre still locked up and left to rot – now’s the time.

Let’s come together, stand shoulder to shoulder, and demand action.

These buildings have helped thousands over the years. They’ve been lifelines, safe spaces, and social hubs. They belong to us – the people. The word says it all: community centre.

The more voices we raise, the harder we are to ignore. There’s strength in numbers – and power in unity.

Let’s make the council listen. Let’s begin a city-wide campaign to get these doors open again.