Clarifying the situation at the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre
Dear Reidvale Housing Association (RHA) Resident,
We are aware of social media activity and much speculation regarding the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre. As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping our tenants fully informed, we believe it is the right time to provide clarity.
On 10 July, we formally announced the appointment of The Halliday Foundation as the new leaseholder of the Reidvale Neighbourhood Centre. This is a positive step forward, securing the centre’s long-term future while placing it in the hands of a trusted organisation with a strong track record of inclusive, community-based support.
The Halliday Foundation plans to deliver a wide range of positive activities that will benefit residents of all ages, an incredible addition to our community.
Unfortunately recent incidents of online activity, and incidents in the community have resulted in the association having to involve Police Scotland, who are currently investigating all matters reported to them. We must take steps to ensure that committee, staff and the wider communities’ safety is a priority. The association has zero tolerance to this kind of behaviour, and we will work with Police Scotland until these matters are brought to a conclusion.
Why change was needed
It’s important to understand how and why we’ve reached this point. Over the past 18 months, RHA has undergone significant and necessary transformation. Following regulatory engagement as the association was not compliant with the Regulatory Standards of Governance and Financial Management, there was a proposal to transfer the association’s stock to another registered social landlord and the organisation was at risk of losing its independence.
Shareholders of the association voted against the transfer and in March 2024 a much changed management committee introduced a new leadership structure, and I was appointed as Interim Director in April 2024 to lead RHA through a full-scale recovery, restoring regulatory compliance, strengthening governance, and ensuring that every penny of tenant resources is managed responsibly.
The situation at the Centre
In late 2023, during the consultation about a prospective transfer, the Neighbourhood Centre was reopened under informal arrangements with Bluevale Community Club, with no lease, no service agreement, and no financial contribution to its operation.
As a result, RHA has carried the full cost of running the centre, an investment of more than £80,000 per year. This is at a time when our tenants are facing the worst cost of living crisis in living memory and like many housing associations, our services are under pressure. We believe that money should be used for vital housing repairs, community investment, and services that benefit everyone.
The situation at the centre was not sustainable. As a small, community-based housing association, we have a duty to ensure that tenants are not burdened by the cost of maintaining facilities without proper agreements in place.
As part of our responsibility to the wider community, we carried out a robust and transparent process with the recently concluded expression of interest process, supported by an independent third party, to find a long-term operator.
All applicants, including Bluevale Community Club were assessed against clear, fair criteria. The Halliday Foundation was identified as the most suitable organisation to take the centre forward. Bluevale was offered the opportunity to have a space within the centre to continue to deliver services, however, that offer was declined.
Looking ahead
Bluevale’s occupancy will come to an end on 21st August. This date was chosen to allow their summer programme to be completed, ensuring minimal disruption to families and young people.
Throughout this process our goal has been to ensure the centre remains financially sustainable, community-focused, and well-managed. It is also crucial that it does not add unnecessary financial pressure to RHA and its tenants.
To be absolutely clear, no decision has been taken to close the centre. On the contrary, we are actively securing its future as a valued resource for local people.
Our commitment
My team and I are incredibly proud to serve this community. Over the past 18 months, we’ve made substantial progress in stabilising the organisation, rebuilding our business plan, strengthening governance, and moving steadily towards full regulatory compliance.
While there is still work to do, the foundations for a stronger, more secure future are now firmly in place. These steps are vital to ensuring RHA continues to serve you, as a strong, independent organisation rooted in the heart of this community.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to listen and provide the information you need.
Yours sincerely
Julie Smillie
Interim Director
Reidvale Housing Association