Early in 1991 it was reported that a major outbreak of dry rot had been discovered in the listed building and because of the high cost of rectifying the damage the local authority proposed selling it to a private developer. It was then that Houston Action Group was formed led by a local architect, Peter McAlister, and Angus Mathieson, to fight to keep it for community use.

It took over a year to win a lease for the old school and another two years to raise approximately £200,000 to meet the costs of rectifying all the faults with the help of residents, local organisations, and hired contactors, and converting the structure into what we have today.

 It was officially opened in September 1994 and renamed the Carrick Centre after Robin Carrick who was born in Houston in 1737, and who became a successful banker with Ship Bank, later the Union Bank and finally part of the Bank of Scotland.

 It is now well used and appreciated by many organisations making all the hard work during those early days worthwhile. It all goes to show what can be achieved with community involvement and a willing spirit.

The Old Houston School  was originally built by Kilbarchan and Houston School Board and opened in 1912 by Lady Anne Speirs of Houston House. There are still local folk around who received their early education in the old school.A pictorial history of Houston can be seen in the Carrick Centre Cafe.