About

Gartcosh Development Trust (GDT) began at the end of 2019, but due to the Covid pandemic the Trust was made dormant until it was possible to actively engage with the community and fundraising. GDT as an organisation is aiming to provide a sustainable community, provide real benefit to local people through delivery of local projects which will deliver community amenities, protect the environment and improve health and wellbeing of our community and surrounding area whilst being a financially sustainable organisation.

GDT was established in response to Gartcosh Tenants and Residents Association community surveys. The Association is thanked for providing the framework and its surveys and is the initial basis of the proposed activity for GDT.

GDT is a membership organisation open to residents in its bonded area. Junior memberships for 12 to 15 year olds are also available. The larger the membership, the more we can reflect the priorities of the community, particularly when approaching partner organisations for support / grants.

What we're doing now

  • Memorial Park — the park is community-owned. Phase 1 of its regeneration is complete, with new play equipment, paths and drainage; Phase 2 is next.
  • School & Community Hall — we've applied for a Community Asset Transfer to bring the old school and hall into community ownership before they close in 2026.
  • Local Place Plan — our Local Place Plan for Gartcosh & Mount Ellen is complete and registered with North Lanarkshire Council, giving residents a formal voice in planning.
  • Community lottery — a weekly lottery that raises funds for local projects.

What we're keen to do more of

  • Developing community facilities, including a sports and leisure hub
  • Improving the community environment and maintaining outdoor spaces in Gartcosh
  • Promoting activities that support health and wellbeing
  • Exploring community renewable energy, so its revenue can support local amenities

Structure

Our principal objectives stated within our Articles of Association are:

  • The advancement of community development (including the advancement of urban regeneration) principally within the Community;
  • The advancement of environmental protection or improvement;
  • The provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended;
  • The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage;
  • But only to the extent that the above purposes are consistent with furthering the achievement of sustainable development.

A defined term - sustainable development - means development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.