Work on a development aimed at creating a new community hub for Barrhead will begin this summer.

The £3.8m project is an investment by East Renfrewshire Council for an innovative centre in the heart of the town.

The new development will take the form of a substantial two-storey extension to the front of Barrhead Sports Centre. It will offer upgraded sports facilities, a state-of-the-art library, ITC suite, learning opportunities, an improved café and Wifi, as well as a programme of activities for the entire community.

A business zone and on-site support and advice on employment and getting back to work are also in the pipeline. Flexible meeting rooms for conferences, training events and other activities will be available for community groups and local businesses to book.

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Speaking about the initiative, Convenor for community service and community safety Mary Montague, said: "This is a very significant investment by the council in what will be an outstanding asset right in the centre of Barrhead.

"It will give the people of the area great place to meet, get fit, learn, read, relax and do business and will provide first-class customer service."

Until the development is complete, Barrhead's existing library is to relocate as its current site in Church Road is to form part of the new site of a new Asda superstore. Information about the library's relocation to temporary premises in the town's Lowndes Street will be confirmed soon.

In Barrhead Sports Centre, the sports hall and stage area will close in the autumn to allow the major works to start. It will remain closed for around four months, with groups using the current facilities temporarily relocating to other areas. The gym and pool will remain open.

The new hub is expected to open in autumn 2014.

(JP)