South Lanarkshire Provost Bert Thomson was joined by former Halfway librarians to formally open the new Halfway Community Hub on 25 August 2026.

The new Hub - in the former Halfway Library – had been completely refurbished to become a welcoming, accessible and sustainable community space, and it was fitting that librarians Nancy McIlree, Natalie Sutherland and Julie Smith should help Provost Thomson officially open the new premises.

Provost Thomson said: “I am pleased to be here to open this superb facility, which will undoubtedly be a vital resource at the heart of the Halfway community.

“The fact it has been created in the former library is great to see, and I am delighted to be joined by the librarians who used to work here.”

Stuart McGregor, LEAP’s executive director was host for the day and said: “ I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in transforming the old library into such a vibrant space. That includes Kevin Key, our handyperson co-ordinator, his volunteers, local businesses such as Retail Design Consultants and B&Q East Kilbride, who offered their peoples’ time and efforts, as well as goods, to help make this transformation.

“I must also thank South Lanarkshire Council for trusting us with the keys to the building, and to all the Councillors and officials who have come along for the Hub opening

“But this Hub is more than a refurbished building. It’s a promise. A promise that communities deserve spaces that are warm, welcoming, and full of opportunity. A promise that people should have somewhere to gather, learn, connect, and occasionally enjoy a biscuit and a cup of tea. A promise that no building—and no community—is ever beyond repair.

“LEAP may run the building, but it is the Halfway community that will give it life.”