Men's Shed group take over former Kilbirnie cleansing depot

In 2020, Garnock Valley Men’s Shed was granted a 25-year lease of the Cleansing and Ground Maintenance Depot at Ladysmith Road, Kilbirnie, through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) and has now bought it outright.

Men’s Sheds give people in communities across Scotland a place to meet up and make new friends and also learn new skills and enjoy practical things like woodwork, playing musical instruments and model building.

At a recent cabinet meeting, it was agreed to sell the property to the group through a CAT for £2,750 – which is a 95 per cent discount on the £55,000 value.

Inside the Valley men's shed (Image: NAC) Shed trustee and past chairman David Gardner said: “We are very grateful the council for their continued support for Men’s Sheds.

“This purchase is the culmination of six years of effort from the trustees and members of Garnock Valley Men’s Shed in bringing a semi-derelict building back into use and - with the support of the Council - bringing it up to 2024 standards.

“Ownership of the building allows us to approach a wider range of funders, thereby securing the future of the Shed for the benefit of our members across the Garnock Valley.

“Our whole ethos centres on the health and well-being of men from 18 years old and above, allowing them to socialise and develop their personal skills. We look forward to welcoming new members following our refurbishment.”

The organisation was also awarded £20,000 in Community Investment Fund (CIF) funding back in September 2021 for new heating through the Garnock Valley Locality Partnership.

They also received council funding in 2018 for initial renovations.

Inside the men's shed (Image: NAC) And six apprentices – who are residents in North Ayrshire - from the council’s Building Services team contributed to the project by helping with works at the building over a 10-day period.

This offered them a great learning experience and showed them how partnership working can help make a difference in communities.

A report to cabinet highlighted that full ownership “will provide the group with additional opportunities to invest in the building to meet their needs”.

As well as the practical benefits of the Shed, it also helps to tackle social isolation and address mental health issues by giving men a safe place to discuss their worries openly.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, said: “These Sheds are a great way for men in our towns and villages to get together, learn new skills, enjoy a coffee and talk about things in a relaxed environment.

“The trustees and members at the Ladysmith Road Shed should be applauded for making great use of the space and for encouraging men to get involved and make some new friends while learning new skills.” 

David and the group have already improved the building, including making accessibility better with support from the council’s Building Services team and funding for materials from the CAT Start-up Fund.

In addition, Community Investment Funding (CIF) was used to install a modern new heating system.

The group is also working towards a greener approach to utilities, and they are stopping materials going to landfill by using donations of wood and furniture in projects.

If you would like to chat to those involved in the Garnock Valley Shed, pop along to Ladysmith Road during opening hours on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday between 10am and 1pm. You will be made welcome.