The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced its support to transform the a Category B-listed church in Glasgow into an activity centre.

Under the plans, the former St Martin's Church in the city would be refurbished and upgraded to become the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike and Activity Centre.

The HLF announced its initial support for the scheme and have awarded Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and Ardenglen Housing Association Ltd first-round funding of £1.05m. This grant includes £178,900 to help further develop their proposals, it is understood.

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The organisations will now work with various stakeholders to develop the plans and raise the appropriate funding.

Commenting on the announcement, Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: "This is an exciting project which has been driven by the enthusiasm of the local people of Castlemilk who want to see this empty historic building brought back to life.

"And what better way to do that than to build on the incredible success of the mountain biking at Cathkin Braes during the Commonwealth Games. This community needs a boost and HLF is delighted to be able to help."

Patricia Chalmers MBE, Chair of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, added: "Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is delighted to have the Heritage Lottery Fund involved in the redevelopment of this Category B listed Church with the future vision of a heritage-led mountain bike and activity centre for Glasgow. Natural, social and built Heritage, sport and the community – this site has a lot going for it and we look forward to delivering another project."

(JP)