With the closure of the Clyde Centre, there is a need for another space where various community meetings and events can take place.

There is a site in the town centre which meets the requirements and is available now - The former Quorum shop on James Street. This is a large space with parking available at the rear of the building. It could be divided to provide rooms suitable for group meetings, informal musical or other performances, exhibitions of local art, crafts, historical Helensburgh artefacts, displays of plans for the town centre etc.

The central location of the premises on James Street is ideal to attract casual passers-by. The challenge of a community such as Helensburgh is to attract and involve all segments of the community. Neither the Clyde Centre nor the proposed Centre behind the Victoria Halls were likely to be visited by chance. You had to have a specific intent to be there.

We need to fill the gap between conversations on the street and more formal social interactions such as meeting for coffee or lunch.

An informal setting where we can sit and develop relationships with our neighbours. A casual, comfortable place where we can drop in, find out what's new, chat with someone we know, be introduced to someone we don't know. A place where our kids can meet other kids. A place located on the major pedestrian traffic patterns of the town. A place sheltered from the worst of the winter weather. A place that is visible and inviting.

We need something to add diversity and interest to the town centre.

Something to attract people to the town.

Something to add value to our quality of life.

People who are attracted to the town centre will spend money in the town, support our local merchants and retain the variety of shops that we all want.