Welcome to Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group, a vibrant community hub at the heart of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire!

Originally established in 1971 as an indoor bowling club, our facility has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the support of our community. In 2018, a group of eight passionate individuals recognised the need for a central gathering place in our local area and thus, the Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group (CCCG) was born.

Through the tireless efforts of our volunteers, CCCG embarked on a journey to create a multifunctional community centre as well as remain home to the indoor bowling. Their hard work and determination paid off in April 2021 when we successfully secured ownership of the stadium, thanks to grant funding from the Scottish Land Fund. This milestone marked a new chapter in our endeavour to create a space that fosters connection, growth, and opportunity for all.

With the acquisition of the stadium, we set our sights on further expansion and enhancement of our offerings. In 2022, we welcomed a dedicated Development Officer to our team, tasked with driving the growth and sustainability of the community centre. Their expertise and passion have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life and ensuring that Coatbridge Stadium continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for community engagement.

In 2023, we achieved another significant milestone in our journey of community empowerment at CCCG. Thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Community Led Fund, we secured vital funding to expand our team and enhance our services over the next 3 years.

One of our key priorities was to ensure the smooth operation of the centre, modernise our processes and provide the best possible experience for our visitors. With this in mind, we proudly welcomed a new admin, receptionist and account staff to our team and continued to grow our wonderful team of volunteers. Their dedication and efficiency have been invaluable in managing day-to-day tasks and growth of the group.

2023 into 2024 has been buzzing with a variety of community activities, including our popular Free Family Summer Fun Day, creative Art and Craft Workshops, festive Wreath Making sessions, enchanting Santa's Grotto visits, and entertaining Bingo Nights. We also expanded our timetable with a range of new classes and groups catering to diverse interests.

*If you would like to subscribe to our quartley newsletter, fill in your email address below.

As part of our strategic growth plan for 2024, we secured the funding to recruit a Centre Manager. This role will be pivotal in overseeing the overall functioning of the community centre, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering collaborations with local stakeholders. With their leadership and vision, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering exceptional services and programs that meet the diverse needs of our community.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our purpose; to create a vibrant and inclusive space in Coatbridge where individuals and families can come together for engaging activities, support, and connection.

Members of the Cliftonville and Coatdyke Community Group at the former indoor bowling club

An indoor bowling club in Coatbridge is to be transformed into a new hub for locals after being bought by a voluntary group. Cliftonville and Coatdyke Community Group has worked closely with North Lanarkshire Council (NLC), The Development Trust Association for Scotland, and the National Lottery to develop a business plan for the regeneration of the building. Through the community asset transfer scheme, and with £190,000 of lottery funding, the group has bought the building and plans to make improvements to it. When it’s complete, the new hub will offer a range of activities and education opportunities for people of all ages, as well as a café, meeting and events space.

Lizzanne McMurrich, head of communities, told Lanarkshire Live: "Congratulations to everyone involved in the Cliftonville and Coatdyke Community Group for their efforts in giving this building a new future for the benefit of the whole community.

Community group develop business plan for site bought through Community Asset Transfer scheme and lottery funding.

“The building will become a hub for community activities, bringing together local groups and individuals, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the voluntary and public sectors work in partnership." Chairman of the group, Alex Forrest, said this was "a very important time" for the local community and volunteer groups throughout Airdrie and Coatbridge. He added: “The purchase of the building will provide a focal point for our community and the present first class bowling facility will be augmented by a wide range of activities for all the community.

“We would like to thank our partners for helping to make this dream come to fruition; Roslyn Griffith and Douglas Tate (North Lanarkshire Council); Katie Alexander (Scottish Land Fund); Elyn Zang (National Lottery Community Fund); and, most importantly, Lynn Molleson from Community Ownership Support Services.

For more information, or help, please contact us on 01236 428641.