Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust has delayed plans to buy Lochhead Gardens after the project fell behind its financial projections.
The trust currently holds a 10-year lease of the site on Lochhead Avenue, with an option to purchase the land during the lease period.
An update was presented to Renfrewshire Council’s Community Asset Transfer Sub-committee on Wednesday 26th August 2026.
Councillors originally approved the lease in May 2023. They agreed that the possibility of selling the land should be reviewed after three years.
The council report said delays in completing parts of the project meant the garden was not yet meeting its financial targets.
The trust will therefore not seek to buy the site at this stage, although community ownership remains its long-term aim.
Its progress report said: “LCDT would still like to be considered for the buyout of the land but are also realistic in that we need to have a regular income in order for this to become a consideration.
“We are very hopeful that we will be able to be in a position to buyout the land in the coming years once the site has had a chance to generate an income and become more self-sufficient.”
The former industrial site is now home to Lochwinnoch Community Larder, Lochwinnoch Men’s Shed and growing and outdoor activity areas.
Groundwork began in March 2025. New paths, a grass marketplace and planters were created.
A workspace and toilet building was completed in December 2025.
The trust received a donated 10-metre polytunnel in January 2026. Volunteers rebuilt it and installed a new cover in April.
Contaminated soil has been removed from the site. The council said any contamination which remains is at a low level and consistent with its former industrial use.
The recently approved Lochwinnoch Local Place Plan identifies the garden as an important public space.
Proposals include meeting facilities, space for children’s groups and a monthly market.
The development trust hopes to complete the purchase of the land within the next three years.
Sub-committee convener Councillor Jacqueline Cameron praised the work carried out at the site.
She said: “I just want to say that I recently visited the gardens, and it was just beautiful.
“I have never seen so many butterflies in one place in my life, and it is a great job that we are doing.”
Councillors noted the progress report without objection.