Construction work has begun on a new £14.5m "civic hub" in Renfrewshire.

The new hub in Johnstone is being described as "the jewel in the crown" of the regeneration project which will see a new town hall, library, theatre and marriage suite built.

The hub will also provide public facilities for the community and is an indication of the council’s commitment to Johnstone.

It is hoped that private investment will match the council's spending.

A range of council services will now be merged in the centre of the town, including the town hall, customer services, housing, social work, Advice Works and the registration service.

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The demolition of the former Johnstone swimming pool, where the site will be developed, is expected to take around 14 weeks.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Community and Family Care Policy Board, said: "Local residents are already benefiting from the £6.9m Johnstone sport hub and this demolition work marks the start of another £14.5m being ploughed into the town's infrastructure.

"Working with the local community is the key to delivering this kind of major project. We will be doing everything we can to support local people and local traders. We will also continue to consult with the families and firms that make up the community of Johnstone to ensure we deliver the facilities that meet their needs.

"We will ensure the community is kept informed about how the work is progressing and about any issues which could affect them. This is a positive step for Johnstone with the first signs on the ground of the massive investment in new facilities that is to come."

(IT)