A NEW chapter in the history of one of Barrhead’s best-known buildings has begun after it opened its doors for the first time in five years.

The James McGuire Building reopened last week as a community hub which is home to a café, gift shop and art studio.

The landmark dates back almost 120 years and has had several previous uses, including a stint as a police station.

Now the hub is being run by the Include Me 2 Club – a local charity that helps people who have additional support needs.

Spokesman Paul McIlvenny told the Barrhead News: “The opening day itself was great. There has been such an incredible amount of work that has gone into making it what it is. Within our own social enterprise projects, members of the Include Me 2 Club will be working at our café and gift shop to give them skills for further employment. They’ll learn skills in hospitality and liaising with our vendors and their products.

“The building sits in the heart of the community and that is something that is very important in Barrhead.”

The hub’s transformation also gives local vendors the chance to sell their products in the gift shop, including the Barrhead Men’s Shed, AromaBar and Moira Findlay Jewellery.

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