A PROJECT that saved a historic Port Glasgow building and transformed it into a thriving new community hub has been shortlisted for a national award.
The £3.2million renovation of the King George VI building in the town centre, now known as Port Glasgow Community Hub, is in the running for a prize at the 2026 COSLA Excellence Awards.
The project, led by Inverclyde Council, is a finalist in the Building Towards a Just Transition category in recognition of the hub’s cutting-edge environmental features.
The renovation saw the Category B-listed property, which dates back to the 1700s and is the oldest in Port Glasgow after Newark Castle, become the most modern and environmentally-friendly in Inverclyde boasting a rare A+ energy efficiency rating, which reflects the building’s very low modelled energy demand and carbon emissions.
It is in the final three of the Building Towards a Just Transition category and one of 15 projects from across Scotland to be shortlisted for an award out of hundreds of applications.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “This is worthy recognition for the incredible amount of hard work over a number of years to not only save the historic King George VI building in Port Glasgow but to transform it into the most modern and environmentally friendly in Inverclyde and among the best examples in the country.
“It is now a thriving community hub in the heart of the town centre welcoming hundreds of people every week from older people to toddlers and supporting a wide variety of activities from arts and crafts to faith groups.
“This is a proud moment for all the council officers and partners who worked tirelessly to make the hub idea a reality and for the people of Port Glasgow and wider Inverclyde, and my congratulations to all involved.”
Between its reopening in May 2025 and November 2025, the hub recorded a total footfall of 2,606 visits and hosted a variety of activities facilitated by more than 40 distinct groups.
Activities included toddler groups, arts and crafts, research, English classes for speakers of other languages, wellbeing initiatives, and other opportunities for learning, social interaction, and support services.
Originally built as a masonic hall for Lodge Cumberland Kilwinning No. 217 and still used by lodge members, the building has served various purposes over the years, including a town hall and a school headmaster’s house, before its transformation into a modern community hub.
The restoration of the hub was supported by a £1.8million grant from the Scottish Government with the council investing £1.4million across the various phases of the project.
Award winners will be revealed in November.
