Local people working to deliver a brand new community centre for Kirkton are celebrating after a major funding boost was announced for the project.

The Scottish Government has awarded £1,426,916 to the Kirkton Community Centre project through the latest round of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The funding comes on top of £1.5 million previously allocated through the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership, helping move forward plans for a modern, purpose-built facility for the area.

Local charity Kirkton Community Centre SCIO is working in partnership with Dundee City Council to deliver the project, with demolition work now ongoing at the former Kirkton Community Centre site.

The charity plans to build and operate a new community-owned and community-run centre on the same site, creating a new hub for local residents while also providing employment and volunteering opportunities.

The new facility will complement Dundee City Council’s wider Community Hub model in Kirkton, which is currently based at locations including Baldragon Academy and St Paul’s Academy.

Dundee City Council leader Mark Flynn described the funding announcement as another important milestone for the project.

He said: “This is another important step for the Kirkton Community Centre SCIO in making their new community centre a reality.

“The council is assisting the group through demolition of the former community centre and this extra funding from the Scottish Government will substantially boost their efforts to deliver a purpose-built facility for the future of the area.”

Councillor Lynne Short, deputy convener of the neighbourhood, housing and communities committee, said residents could look forward to expanded community spaces and activities.

She added: “Between the charity’s community provision and our exciting Hub, Kirkton residents can look forward to having access to excellent community spaces and activities day and night, all year round.”

Melanie Kiyani, Treasurer of Kirkton Community Centre SCIO, welcomed the latest funding success and said it would help secure the future of the project.

She said: “This funding announcement is incredibly exciting. The funding from the Scottish Government, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund will ensure that the community of Kirkton will have a new purpose-built community centre.

“The new Kirkton Community Centre will provide employment and volunteering opportunities along with services to the community. The new community centre will be owned and run by the Kirkton Community Centre SCIO for the community of Kirkton.”