The first phase of an ambitious £6 million project to provide a centre for excellence in Inverclyde has been completed.

Contractors have finished work on a new 3G all-weather pitch with floodlights at the Parklea site ending the first of a six phase scheme that will transform the facilities available for local clubs and visitors from further afield.

Council Leader Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “This really is a milestone for the project and gives us an idea what a magnificent asset we will eventually have in Parklea. We are committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities to improve the health and quality of life of our communities and the new pitch is a clear indication that we are delivering on that promise.”

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A second 3G pitch is planned for Parklea along with a new community stadium incorporating a changing pavilion. Drainage work will also be carried out on eight surrounding grass pitches.

Regeneration Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty added: “These really will be fantastic facilities that everyone in Inverclyde will be justifiably proud of. We will have modern changing rooms for people to change in and 10 magnificent pitches for them to play the beautiful game on. Parklea really will become a centre of excellence for football in Inverclyde.”

Work on the second phase of the project, to widen the existing access road and to upgrade the existing car park is scheduled to begin this summer.

(GK)