The Ashgill Recreation Centre (The ARC) opened its doors to the public for the first time during the summer and over 1,000 locals joined the fun.

The new centre looks set to become a focal point for people of all ages with sports and fitness facilities, children’s adventure play areas, state-of-the-art computer gaming areas and a relaxing café.

Councillor Jim Coleman, Chair of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, joined local people to open the centre where there was a series of activities including hip hop dance, Gladiators’ assault course, Footie STUFF mobile football, Gladiators’ eliminator game, a climbing wall and face painting. This was an excellent opportunity for residents and their families to come along and take a look at the new centre and all it has to offer.

Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS) will be managing the much-needed recreation centre and it has been working closely with the local community to ensure the centre offers the best range of activities and services to meet residents’ needs.

The ARC will provide a variety of activities including soft play areas for toddlers and children, carpet bowls, badminton, football, basketball, a climbing wall and gaming consoles. There will also be keep-fit programmes to suit all ages and a range of classes including aerobics, men’s health, dance workshops and various coach-led activities. The centre also features the stylish Café Arc – the ideal place to relax and unwind with family and friends.

The centre will open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday, 9.15am-10pm.

Phil Walker, managing director of Glasgow Community and Safety Services, said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver such a variety of different activities at The ARC. We hope the centre will become a focal point within the community and we will continue to work closely with local residents to ensure we continue to offer the best possible range of services. The activities on offer will undoubtedly increase over time and develop along with the needs of its users.

“In addition, we aim to use these services as a way of engaging with young people in the area and to encourage them to make positive choices. This state-of-the-art centre is a fantastic resource for local people and I’m confident that it will improve the quality of life for residents of all ages in this part of the city.”

Councillor Jim Coleman said: “I’m delighted to be able to open this centre, which is a real asset for the local community.

“The ARC will provide much-needed recreational facilities for people of all ages. It represents a fresh start for the area and it’s a pleasure to be able to welcome residents to their new recreation centre.”