Hub Projects Blog Posts

  Oor muckle hall refurb  We have decided since taking over from the council that we did not like the label - lesser hall for oor we hall (we are not sizest) this is where we hold our social cinema we don't think size should be something that is seen as less than anything else, smaller is often more beautiful and serves a purpose much better than large or muckle as we say in scots, in the case o oor wee hall its size is perfect for our purposes in there, however what was previously known as our main hall that we now call the muckle hall is far too large for most things it used for, it needs a drastic refurbishment decoration upgrading and modernisation  The muckle Hall is a vital space within our facility, serving as a multifunctional venue that hosts a variety of events, from community gatherings and social functions to educational workshops and cultural performances. However, with the passage of time, the hall has faced wear and requires both strategic usage planning an...

  Our active outdoors cycling project in the area is an ambitious dream that aims to bring together the community through cycling initiatives. By creating a network of traffic-free trails, we hope to encourage more people to take up cycling for both recreation and transportation. With the support of experienced cyclists like Michael and Kenny, we want to ensure that everyone has access to cycling opportunities, whether it's through bike festivals, maintenance workshops, or community events. We're committed to not just improving cycling routes but also promoting environmental sustainability. Our vision includes working on local biodiversity projects and organizing regular litter picks to keep our trails clean and trash-free. The introduction of our cycling library and the provision of cargo bikes will help make cycling accessible to more members of the community. The HubTogether, with the support of Polmont Community Council and local businesses, we believe we can foster a vibra...

   Transition to Energy-Efficient LED Lighting Project Overview The lighting system currently in use at our Hub requires significant improvements to enhance energy efficiency security and user experience. The existing setup is a mix of old fluorescent and halogen lights that contribute to high energy consumption and inadequate lighting control. This project aims to replace outdated lighting with modern LED solutions, and install motion sensors and photocells,resulting in substantial energy savings and improved functionality.  Objectives 1. Reduce Energy Consumption Achieve at least a 60% reduction in energy usage by upgrading to LED lighting. 2. Enhance User Comfort: Provide adjustable lighting options to ensure comfort for all users throughout the facility. 3. Increase Security: Install motion sensors and floodlights for enhanced security & safety in outdoor and poorly lit areas. 4. Leverage Volunteer Support: Utilize volunteers to assist with the transition process...

  **Why Monty is Our Zero Waste Champion and the Benchmark Project**   At the beginning of our transition from being the Green Park Community Centre to becoming - Polmont Community Hub, the takeover team of volunteers faced several communication and cooperation issues with the council staff and the former Management Committee. Monty is a prime example of these cooperation challenges. The now-discontinued Management Committee wanted the council caretaker to throw Monty in the bin.    When the caretaker asked if anyone would claim Monty and the other toys in the cupboard where he lived, one of our volunteers, who has a passion for teddy bears (she has been called an arctophile), was outraged. "You're not putting Monty or any of those toys in a bin!" she told the caretaker, who didn't seem to care (a caretaker that didnt care) he described Monty as a "flea-bitten rag." We then informed the council's Strategic Property Review Department via a letter that not...

  PCHub Outdoor meeting area   Here we are in March 2025, and we finally feel that we are making progress with one of our projects - the outdoor meeting area, Braes Friendly Growers, in conjunction with PCHub. have been planning this and other Gardeniser projects for six months now! When we applied for funding from Action Earth and Volunteering Matters many months ago, we hoped to get the ball rolling instantly. This would allow people to see our vision in action and appreciate the amazing potential the hub's outdoor area has for this community. However, it has been a long and drawn-out legislative process to change the land's usage from dedicated open space to a community garden, orchard, and outdoor meeting area. This journey has involved extensive planning, research, numerous application forms, networking, and a lot of legwork. It feels rewarding to finally reach a stage where we can use some of the tools we managed to obtain with the financial assistance we secured month...