The Nevis Centre: A vital community hub in need of continued support
Operated by the charitable organisation Linnhe Leisure Ltd, the Centre play a crucial role in the social, cultural and recreational life of the region. But, like many community centres, it faces significant challenges that require continued community support to ensure its survival and growth.
The Structure Behind the Centre
The Nevis Centre is managed by Linnhe Leisure Ltd, a charitable organisation governed by a small Board of voluntary members and run by a team of full and part-time staff. The Board, chaired by local resident, Chris Heardman, work tirelessly behind the scenes, providing guidance and governance to a dedicated staff team, who manage and run the day to day operations with the key aim of ensuring that the Nevis Centre remains a vital resource for the community.
However, it’s important to note that many people still mistakenly believe that the Nevis Centre is run by the council or is privately owned. In reality, it is an independently run charitable organisation that relies heavily on the support of the local community to keep its doors open.
Financial Structure: A Fine Balance
Running a facility like The Nevis Centre is no small feat, especially when it comes to financial sustainability. While the Centre does receive some grant funding and financial support, this only accounts for roughly an 8th of its operating costs. The remainder of the Centre’s income must come from its own services and activities. Last year’s running costs were £720,000
The Nevis Centre generates revenue through various offerings such as its bowling alley, soft play, cafe, hall and room hires, and other services like children’s activity camps, family fun days, concerts, festivals, and market events. However, this self-sustaining model is a delicate balance between providing affordable, accessible services to the local community while meeting the financial demands of operating such a large facility.
The Mission: A Space for Everyone
At the core of The Nevis Centre’s mission is the desire to serve as a true community hub, offering spaces and services that cater to all ages and abilities.
Whether it’s a place for children to play, for local clubs and sports teams to train, or for families and businesses to host events, the Nevis Centre strives to be accessible and inclusive to all.
In addition to its permanent services, The Nevis Centre hosts a variety of regular and one-off events. From the local bowling league to themed party nights, corporate functions, children’s clubs, gymnastics, youth theatre, and even major events like the Mountain Film Festival and the New Year Skerryvore Concert, the Centre is a bustling hub of activity.
However, balancing community needs with financial realities is no easy task. To maintain affordability, the Nevis Centre often takes on large-scale bookings from groups outside the local area, or even closes to the public for specific events. This allows the Centre to maximise revenue while still catering to its core mission of community service.
Challenges: Keeping the Doors Open
Despite its best efforts, The Nevis Centre faces several key challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the age of the building, which often requires funds to be diverted toward maintenance rather than reinvestment into new resources. This is compounded by rising utility and insurance costs, which place additional strain on the Centre’s already tight budget.
Another challenge is the building’s under utilisation during off-peak periods. Additionally, the Centre struggles with staffing shortages during peak periods, especially given the smaller pool of available staff in the local area. The unpredictable nature of daily business which can be infuenced by weather, road issues, or competing local events, also impacts cash flow and planning.
How the Community Can Help - Positive Action!
The continued success of The Nevis Centre relies heavily on the support of the local community. There are several simple ways that individuals and businesses can contribute
• Attend the Nevis Centre regularly: Whether it’s booking a bowling lane, attending an event, or simply making use of the cafe, regular patronage helps keep the Centre financially stable.
• Book early for events and activities: Early bookings help the Centre plan ahead, ensuring events can go ahead without last-minute cancellations.
• Support the café: Even if you’re just dropping off your kids or waiting for an activity to finish, a small purchase from the cafe can make a big difference.
• Use the Nevis Centre’s car park: The Centre receives a small contribution from the council for the use of its parking spaces, so parking there instead of nearby alternatives helps support the facility.
• Spread the word: Share news of upcoming events or activities with friends and family, and use social media to help promote the Nevis Centre’s offerings.
• Book the Nevis Centre for your events! Whether that’s Christmas party nights, birthday parties, gigs, music events, conferences or business gala dinners – consider the Nevis Centre as your go-to bookable venue.
Businesses and local organisations can also get involved by sponsoring events or taking advantage of advertising opportunities within the Centre.
Volunteering can be fun and worthwhile!
In addition to financial support, The Nevis Centre is always on the lookout for new volunteers who can offer their time, expertise and passion for the community. Why not pop in for a cup of tea and an informal chat to see how you might like to help.
Looking to the Future: Call for Board Members
The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 4:15pm, and anyone interested in becoming a board member or volunteer would be most welcome to attend. f you can’t make the meeting but still want to be involved, or have anything that you would like to say or suggest, you can express your interest by contacting the Nevis Centre by email manager@neviscentre.co.uk.
Let’s do this together!
The Nevis Centre is more than just a building it’s a cornerstone of the Fort William community and indeed Lochaber as a whole. But to continue serving as a vital hub, it needs the ongoing support of local residents and businesses. By attending events, making use of its services, and even volunteering your time, you can help ensure that The Nevis Centre remains a thriving part of the community for years to come.
For further information on everything that the Nevis Centre has to offer visit:
www.neviscentre.co.uk
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