What was once Holburn West Church has now become a thriving hub for local Aberdeen residents; Great Western Community Centre. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the community and the trust that stepped in to save it, a space which at one point faced closure and an uncertain future, has been transformed into focal point for engagement and local connectivity.
Andrew Murray was appointed Centre Manager and Development Officer in September 2024 to help drive the community centre’s continuous growth as a hub for social inclusion.
“When I first learned about the role, I knew the building had previously been a church and was aware that a trust had taken it over.” said Andrew. “It has been fascinating to work alongside trustees of the centre and learn first hand about the journey they took. It’s an inspiring story when you know the effort that went into securing funding to transform a former church into the vibrant community centre we see today.”
And that story of Great Western Community Centre is one which showcases the positive impact that can result when people unite and combine their time and efforts for the benefit of their local community.
When the Church of Scotland decided to sell the building as it was deemed surplus to requirements, a group of residents saw the potential to preserve it as a space for the community. A trust was formed, and with successful funding applications – including support from the Scottish Land Fund – the purchase was finalised in 2024. This pivotal moment ensured that a cherished local landmark would continue to serve the people of Aberdeen, rather than risk falling into disuse or being earmarked for private development.
“It’s so important for local people to come together and take ownership of buildings like this” Andrew explained. “For many, this place holds memories and a sense of belonging. The community stepping in and taking action shows just how much this building means to them. It’s really encouraging to see local residents actively saying, ‘We want this building to remain a key asset to our community.’”
Since its transformation, the Great Western Community Centre has become a vibrant space offering a diverse range of activities for all ages. The centre hosts everything from baby signing classes and parent-toddler groups to indoor bowling, yoga, dance fitness, and even puppy training classes.
“We’ve worked hard to bring in new activities based on what the community wants,” Andrew noted. “For example, we recently restarted the indoor bowling group, which had been inactive since Covid. It was something people really missed, so we made it happen.”
Beyond fitness and recreation, the centre is also an important cultural venue. The former sanctuary space now hosts performances, rehearsals, and community events.
“We’re lucky to have a fantastic auditorium, which makes us an ideal venue for groups like Lyric Musical Society and various choirs. We’re also partnering with Jazz Scotland to be part of the Aberdeen Jazz Festival and are lucky to have the organisation’s offices based right here in the centre”.
Jazz Scotland
As Andrew mentioned, the Aberdeen-based third sector arts and culture organisation, Jazz Scotland, has found a new home at Great Western Community Centre, and the move is already proving to have a positive impact. With offices now based within a bustling community hub, Jazz Scotland is deepening its engagement with local residents at a grassroots level.
Anna-Maria Gheorghe, Festivals and Programs Coordinator for Jazz Scotland, oversees the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, the Dundee Jazz Festival, and the Isla Jazz Festival. She shared how the decision to relocate was in part inspired by a desire to strengthen community ties.
“We used to have an office in a different part of the city centre, but we realised we needed to be more present in the community,” Anna said. “A lot of what we do, from artist development to youth education, is tied to community work. Moving here gave us more space for our growing team and allowed us to use the centre for our weekly youth jazz group.”
The vibrant atmosphere of Great Western Community Centre has provided an inspiring backdrop for Jazz Scotland’s activities. “It’s a really nice space,” Anna said. “There’s always something happening which makes for a great working environment.”
Beyond office space, the community centre also serves as a key venue for the Aberdeen Jazz Festival. Last year, it hosted ‘Jazz the Day West,’ a day-long event featuring performances throughout the building. This year, the festival will return on March 16th, with a full programme of family-friendly jazz.
Being based in the community centre has helped Jazz Scotland break down barriers and reach new audiences. “There are still people who think of jazz as highbrow or intimidating, but we work to make it accessible” Anna said. “Having events in welcoming, informal spaces makes a big difference. Even the centre’s middle room, which you wouldn’t expect to work for music, can be transformed into a Jazz Kissa – our take on a Japanese jazz café.”
With a growing team, an inspiring space, and a packed festival schedule, Jazz Scotland is thriving at Great Western Community Centre. “It’s great to be here,” Anna said. “It really feels like home.”
Bringing People Together: The Indoor Bowling Club
Reopening Great Western Community Centre for local residents has enabled the indoor bowling club to resume, a development that has been warmly welcomed by those who participate in the weekly sessions.
Alison, a retired resident from Cults, discovered the club through an advertisement and decided to give it a try. “I think it’s a fantastic group because you’re getting out of the house, meeting new people from all walks of life, and having a laugh while socialising,” she said. “The biggest benefit is that you’re moving and keeping yourself fit. As you get older, everything stiffens up, so it’s great to stay active.”
For those unsure about joining, Alison has some advice: “You don’t have to be super fit or even know how to play bowls. We are a welcoming group, we will help you learn, and it’s great fun. Plus, it’s affordable, and you get a cup of tea or coffee, which is always nice.”
Nicky, another participant, echoed Alison’s sentiments. “There are lots of people on their own suffering from loneliness. Making that first step through the door is always the hardest part, but this is such a welcoming space,” she explained. “Rather than going into a big place alone, like a restaurant or cinema, this is a nice way to ease into a sense of community.”
Having only recently joined, Nicky has already found the club to be a valuable experience. “Everybody is very friendly and helpful. I’m really enjoying my time here and hope to do more things at Great Western Community Centre. Andrew is an absolute gem – he and the team are working hard to build relationships with the wider community.”
Anne, a long-time bowler, appreciates the accessibility of the club. “I’ve been bowling on and off for 12 years outdoors, but I like having an indoor option when the weather is bad,” she shared. “It’s keeping me busy, and I enjoy meeting new people each week.”
Despite living with arthritis, Anne finds that bowling helps her stay active. “I have an arthritic knee after a fall 16 years ago. Although I may not be the best, I still manage to bowl and have fun while staying active,” she said. “The folk at the group are very chatty and friendly, and at just £2 for a two-hour session in a warm space, it’s incredibly affordable.”
Looking to the Future
Reflecting on the journey so far, Andrew remains excited about the centre’s potential.
“We still have capacity to expand our programmes and reach even more people,” he said. “There are groups within the community that are still underrepresented, and we’re keen to engage with them. We want to ensure that Great Western Community Centre is truly a place for everyone. Social isolation is a key challenge that we’re looking to address here, as it is across the network of amazing community centre’s we have around Aberdeen”.
But it’s not just about the present – securing the future of the centre is just as crucial. With an aging building, there’s an ongoing need for maintenance and improvements.
“We’ve already managed to secure funding to help insulate the building and reduce energy costs, but there’s always more to be done. Keeping this space accessible and sustainable for future generations is a top priority,” Andrew emphasised.
As the centre continues to grow, there is always room for more involvement from the local community. “We are always looking for volunteers,” Andrew said. “People of all ages can contribute, whether it’s helping out at our parent-toddler group or assisting with events. The more people get involved, the stronger our community becomes.”
For Andrew, this role is more than just a job—it’s a passion. “After 23 years as a bank manager, I made the move to community work full-time. I’ve always been deeply involved in volunteering, so to now have the opportunity to do this as my career is a privilege.”
The Great Western Community Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. Thanks to the dedication of local residents and committed individuals like Andrew, this former church has been transformed into a thriving hub that will continue to serve the community for years to come.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.gwccentre.co.uk
This article originally appeared in the March 2025 edition of ACVO News. Read all past editions of the magazine, and subscribe online at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
