Clackmannanshire Council has signed a contract for the refurbishment of the Speirs Centre in Alloa town centre.

The contract, which is worth just over £3.1m, will ensure the future of the iconic category 'A' listed building.

The centre is also of historical importance to the area and it is hoped the refurbishment will make the facility more accessible to meet the needs of the wider community.

As part of the work, the building's historic fabric and features will be restored and assist with the regeneration of Alloa town centre. It will be transformed into a new modern library and a local and family history centre, where visitors will be able to find information regarding the heritage of Clackmannanshire, displays and exhibits, registration of births deaths and marriages, wi-fi and computers for public use, plus relaxation areas.

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The newly refurbished centre will also include a customer service point for information, enquiries and payments and bookings. It will also have a new ramped access, main entrance and lifts.

Council Leader Councillor Gary Womersley said: "It is a momentous moment for this contract to be signed. It will ensure the maximum use of an important but underused building by adapting the listed building in a manner which is sympathetic to its character and appearance while enhancing the town centre as a whole.

"The refurbishment of the existing areas on the ground and first floors will provide access to a wide range of public services including heritage information, health and well being support, learning zones and information technologies."

Redevelopment of the centre was initially approved by the Council in September 2010 with Marshall Construction Limited selected as the main contractor on behalf of Hub East Central Scotland Limited.

Work on the building is due to begin at the end of the month, with it taking an expected 46 weeks to complete.

Scottish Futures Trust has injected £190k into the refurbishment and Historic Scotland £195k towards the overall cost of the contract.

(JP/IT)