Glasgow City Council's Executive Committee has approved £500k of funding towards the new base of the National Theatre for Scotland (NTS).

The new facility will be located at Speirs Wharf in the city.

The NTS is now proposing to develop a disused industrial unit on the northern bank of the canal at Craighall Road and transform it into a ground-breaking creative and production centre.

The plans will see the facility unique within the UK with the only other examples being found in parts of mainland Europe and Canada.

The intention is to create a facility where the writers, performers, designers, directors and technicians of the next 20 years can learn, develop and grow.

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A vacant industrial unit has been identified for the base, with the building located adjacent to the newly developed Whisky Bond, which houses the Glasgow Sculpture Studios. The unit is approximately 2,400sq metres and plans include a mezzanine level to provide the company with 3,708sq meters of floor space.

Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Jobs and the Economy, said: "We are very pleased to support the creation of a creative and production centre for the National Theatre of Scotland. They have made a significant cultural, economic and social contribution to Glasgow over the past eight years.

"This centre will be one of a very few of its type in the world and will further underline Glasgow's credentials as a cultural destination. This is another key step in the creation of the North Quarter, further connecting the creative and entertainment hubs in this part of the city centre."

The NTS was established in 2005 and is based in Glasgow. It has a number of buildings including its administrative base in Civic Street, development and technical spaces at Speirs Locks and a number of storage facilities on Maryhill Road. The leases of a number of the properties are coming up for renewal.

The £5.3m development at Craighall Road will enable the company to commit to a home in Glasgow for the next 20 years.

(JP/CD)