We are thrilled to celebrate the official reopening of the Port Glasgow Community Hub (formerly the King George VI building), following an intensive £3.2 million restoration led by W.H. Kirkwood as the main contractor.
The project, delivered in partnership with Inverclyde Council and the Scottish Government, has saved one of the oldest buildings in Port Glasgow from the brink of demolition, transforming it into the most energy-efficient facility in the region.
A Masterclass in Heritage & Sustainability
As a Category B-listed structure dating back to 1758, the building is the second oldest in the town after Newark Castle. Our team was tasked with a complex dual mission: preserving the historic character of the world’s oldest purpose-built Masonic lodge while achieving a rare A+ energy efficiency rating.
To bring this 18th-century landmark into the future, the W.H. Kirkwood team integrated several cutting-edge green technologies:
- Renewable Energy: Installation of solar panels and high-efficiency air-source heat pumps.
- Modern Comfort: Retrofitting under-floor heating throughout the facility.
- Thermal Integrity: Implementation of advanced insulation and modern glazing that respects the building’s listed status.
A New Heart for the Community
The building was officially opened by Provost of Inverclyde, Drew McKenzie, and Scottish Government Investment Minister, Tom Arthur. The transformation has turned a building once in significant disrepair into a vibrant, multi-use hub featuring:
- Modern office and meeting spaces.
- Full kitchen and cooking facilities.
- A dedicated computer suite for local resource groups.
- Outdoor community growing spaces.
Celebrating 250 Years of Port Glasgow
The completion of this project is particularly significant as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of Port Glasgow being established as a burgh.
Provost McKenzie praised the “considerable dedication” of the technical and construction teams involved. At W.H. Kirkwood, we are proud to have provided the craftsmanship and technical expertise required to ensure this historic asset serves the people of Port Glasgow for another 250 years.