Construction work has commenced at Strathclyde Park in North Lanarkshire.

The work is being carried out to allow a number of events for this year's Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to be staged at the venue.

The park will host the triathlon events on 24 and 26 July.

On the 24 July, athletes in the individual events will complete a 1,500m open-water swim before switching to a 40km road cycle and finishing with a 10km run. On the 26 July, a Mixed Team Relay will be held for the first time in the Games and will involve a team of two men and two women who will each complete a "super sprint" triathlon before they hand over to their next team mate.


North Lanarkshire Council has said Glasgow 2014 will build the spectator stands at the Loch, in front of and opposite the Watersports Centre, along with facilities for the athletes, media and event management, while security arrangements will also be installed.

Welcoming the commencement of works, Councillor Helen McKenna, Convener of the Environmental Services Committee, said: "The individual triathlon takes place on the opening day of competition, and will see the first medals of the Games presented, so the spotlight will very much be on North Lanarkshire that day.

"Over the last few months, the council has made improvements to the roads and paths around Strathclyde Park as well as work at the Loch to ensure the water quality meets the standards required for the athletes.

"Now the infrastructure for the Games will start to be built, creating a fantastic venue for the triathlon events. During the work, disruption to the daily operation of the park will be kept to a minimum, and people will still be able to drive and walk through the park.

"Immediately before and during the Games, from 20 to 27 July, the competition area will be closed off to the public but there will still be access around the rest of the park."

(JP/MH)