Award-winning Hawkhead Activity Hub opens its doors (September 5)
Award-winning Hawkhead Activity Hub opens its doors this September
Visitors to Renfrewshire will have the chance to visit one of Scotland's most distinctive modern buildings this Doors Open Days, when Sight Scotland Veterans' Hawkhead Activity Hub in Paisley open its doors on Saturday 5 September 2026, between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
Set on the site of the old Dobbies Centre at Hawkhead, the hub was purpose-built for Sight Scotland Veterans (formerly Scottish War Blinded), which provides free support to former service men and women living with sight loss. It shares its site with a new 54-room Royal Blind care home, and stands as the charity's flagship facility on the west of Scotland.
The building itself is the real draw for architecture enthusiasts. Designed by Glasgow-based Page \ Park Architects, the centre takes its cue directly from the Hawkhead place name: the roof sweeps across the building like a bird of prey's wing, lined in timber and punctuated by five large triangular rooflights that flood the central dining and gathering space with natural light. Every principal room is designed with a visual connection back to this central roof and hub, fostering a sense of community throughout the building - a deliberate response to the needs of visitors with sight loss, who benefit from a clear, easy-to-navigate floor plan. The design was recognised with a RIAS Award in 2018 from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
On the day, visitors can explore the centre's full range of facilities, including the sports hall, gymnasium, art room and woodwork room, with demonstrations of activities such as bowling and curling on offer alongside the arts and crafts spaces. The building opens onto a sensory garden, encircled by mature trees and complete with a pergola, potting shed and greenhouse, designed to connect the interior of the building with the outdoors.
The venue is fully accessible, with disabled access and WC facilities, refreshments, activities for children, and limited disabled parking bays at the entrance (additional parking is available nearby). Booking is not required, visitors are welcome to turn up and explore.
This will be the hub's fourth consecutive year taking part in Doors Open Days, having featured in the programme in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Visit The Hawkhead Centre in Paisley on Saturday 5 September (10:00-17:00).
To view the full list of participating venues in Renfrewshire, visit here.