Help shape the future of Uphall Community Centre
Uphall Community Centre
Enables 10,000+ hours of volunteering in our community
Has 18,500+ visits every year
Welcoming everyone from age 0 to 80+
Builds a stronger community, through the sharing of relationships, skills and interests.
And there's space for much, much more.
What is Happening?
The existing management team and centre users are working with Kings Church West Lothian to explore a possible new future for the centre - and we want your voice as part of it.
Faced with changes to the way centres are funding, we are exploring applying for Community Asset Transfer together into a new charity, to take on the running of the centre with the local community and church.
We believe the centre has a future as an important place which helps our community share and grow together and contributing to a stronger West Lothian.
The new Charity will be called Uphall Community Trust with Kings Church West Lothian designed to use the best of the church and communities skills to keep the centre open, together.
What We are Doing
Putting together a business plan to consider applying for a Community Asset Transfer to take on the building in a new Charity, run democratically by local people together with Kings Church West Lothian
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this happening?
West Lothian Council are changing how community centres are funded and there are worries that this plan may not be as good for our commmunity as the local community owning and running the centre, and so we're building a better plan.
Will things change?
Yes, we believe for the better. A centre run by users and Kings Church together could be more efficient, more open and not risk being less availible to the community.
Who is involved?
So far, the management team, local community, Kings Church West Lothian, and now the wider community are being asked for their views. Groups of volunteers from across the community have been working on producing the proposal and now drawing a business plan and application together.
Is this better than WLC Option 4?
West Lothian Council wish to save £1 million or more via changes to how the community centres run. Their option four makes "a reduction in opening hours likely" and "will result in an increase in cost for most community groups" and "may require them to, for example, change the day of the week on which they currently operate or access another facility in the area."
They also say that "The only option which would fully address future building maintenance costs is the Community Asset Transfer of a community centre." (PDSP report, May 2025, Section D4.)
Will the centre close?
Our business plan includes making the centre more open, to more people! West Lothian Council have said their plans will also not result in centre closure either directly. Option 4 may reduce access and make the centres open and yet not accessible.
What Can I Do?
Tell us what you think to our idea and help shape the future of the centre together.
Write a letter to go in our business plan to tell us that you think this is a good idea.