Call for Proposals - Former Rouken Glen Training Centre, Rouken Glen Road, Thornliebank site

Background

East Renfrewshire Council are looking to bring the former Rouken Glen Training Centre back into longer-term use which will create a Wellbeing and Enterprise Hub and bring a wide range of socio-economic benefits for the wider East Renfrewshire community.

Rouken Glen Park is one of Glasgow City Region's most well-known and well-loved parks.  We are keen to ensure we strengthen this position and enhance certain areas to better serve the community. Recent research and community engagement has strengthened aspirations for the park to be transformed into a Wellbeing Campus over a 10-year period.

The proposed site, previously occupied as a training centre is approximately 0.4 hectares in size and is situated close to the Rouken Glen Garden Centre and main car park. The Hub would serve as a community-driven centre that would be an inclusive space.

East Renfrewshire Council is seeking an anchor tenant who would be responsible for the day-to-day running of this facility and would ensure that the objectives of the Wellbeing and Enterprise Hub are achieved. The anchor tenant should come from a background of supporting community participation and will facilitate community-managed services, workshops and events, and enterprise.       

A key role for the anchor tenant will be ensuring that they work with a wide range of East Renfrewshire based organisations and community groups who would operate from the Hub.

Key purposes of the Wellbeing and Enterprise Hub

Key purposes of the Wellbeing and Enterprise Hub would include enhancing community health and wellbeing through accessible, nature-based interventions; showcasing green energy solutions to educate and inspire sustainable living; encouraging healthy eating and food sustainability through urban gardening and nutritional education; promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship; facilitating employability services, business growth and lifelong learning opportunities

The Wellbeing Hub would function as:

• a Community Resource - Providing mental health support, exercise programmes, and wellbeing activities;
• an Educational Centre - Delivering workshops on sustainability, renewable energy, and food initiatives and food security;
• a Sustainability Demonstration Site - Showcasing renewable energy technologies and eco-friendly building practices;
• a Social Enterprise & Volunteer Hub - Supporting community-led initiatives in conservation, food growing, and wellness
• a Collaborative Space - Engaging with local employability partners and businesses, health professionals, educators, and environmental organisations.    

The site will also provide affordable space for community groups.

East Renfrewshire Council have submitted a bid to Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) to carry out a number of improvements to the site.  Provisional proposals include: reconfiguration of the outbuildings;  the reinstatement of glasshouses and restoration of potting shed-style workspaces;  accessible pathways; creating an organisational HQ and enterprise space and welcoming reception square.   

Community Engagement

In January 2025, East Renfrewshire Council developed a targeted and inclusive engagement programme and a working group, comprised of key stakeholders and community groups, was convened to look at development options for the site. Our approach was designed to ensure accessibility, encourage open dialogue, and reflect the varying needs and interests of different audiences. Our engagements have ensured the proposals are grounded in local knowledge and aligned with community and stakeholder priorities for a shared vision for the site's future.     

The Hub would fulfil community requests for a community and enterprise space for third sector and community organisations. Stakeholder engagement estimates 10+ organisations, and a range of public services would use the site, supporting approximately 20 jobs that will enable over 250 volunteering, training and learning opportunities per year.

East Renfrewshire Council are committed to delivering the aspirations voiced by the local community and addressing the needs identified above.

Annual Costs

Please see expected annual costs in the Property Schedule (PDF, 194 KB)

Please note that the anchor tenant will be responsible for all costs relating to the site as well as any future maintenance requirements.

Strategic Fit

The creation of a Wellbeing and Enterprise hub  will complement the A Place to Grow strategy, which is our Community Planning Partnership's vision to reduce inequality across groups and communities in East Renfrewshire. A Place to Grow is built on three pillars that will be the foundation for all our strategic planning going forward: Our children and young people flourish; Our communities and places thrive; and We all live well.