Developed by Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, the Parkhead Hub brings together vital health and social care provision under one roof, alongside flexible community spaces designed for local groups. Among these is a room named in honour of John Ferguson MBE – a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work was dedicated to improving the East End.

Affectionately known as ‘Big Fergie’, John Ferguson was born in Parkhead in 1939 and lived his entire life in the area. A bus driver by trade, John’s contributions extended far beyond his profession.

He was a founding member of Parkhead Housing Association (PHA), a Justice of the Peace, a tireless activist, and a devoted family man. His passion for better housing, healthcare, and community services earned him widespread respect and recognition, including an MBE in 2000.

John passed away on 24 June 2024, before the Hub’s completion.

His son David, who attended the opening ceremony, told Scottish Housing News: “My dad dedicated his life to making things better for the local community and threw himself into any opportunity to help regenerate the area and improve people’s quality of life.

“When the Hub project was conceived, he immediately recognised its potential and did all he could to support it and ensure the Hub properly represented the needs of the local community.

“I’m sad he didn’t live to see this magnificent facility completed but I was honoured to represent him at the opening ceremony. I’m very proud of the decision to name a community room after him. He would have been delighted by this wonderful, and hugely fitting, tribute.”

For nearly five decades, John Ferguson worked to transform Parkhead. In 1977, frustrated by the poor state of local housing, he co-founded PHA and served as chairman, learning the complexities of government funding and driving forward regeneration. His leadership helped secure investment in housing, health, and infrastructure, halting depopulation and empowering local residents to have a voice in decisions affecting their lives.

Later named Honorary President by PHA, its headquarters were renamed John Ferguson House in his honour.

John was also a member of the project board for the Parkhead Hub, ensuring the facility was shaped by the needs of local service users, particularly older people and those with disabilities.

The Hub represents the culmination of years of planning and advocacy – much of it influenced by John’s determination that the East End deserved world-class public services. The facility houses health and social care teams, alongside community rooms available for local groups to book and use. It is designed not only as a centre for services but as a beacon of community pride and resilience.

Parkhead Housing Association CEO Aileen McGuire summed up John’s impact: “John played such an important role in the regeneration of the Parkhead community and to see his legacy honoured in this way is such a fitting tribute. He will be remembered for his unwavering efforts to provide the area not just with improved homes, but also with critical, life-changing services like the new health hub.”