Work is continuing on a £5.5 million transformation project at Kirkintilloch Town Hall in East Dunbartonshire.

The B-listed building is being transformed by hub West Scotland, contractor CBC and the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) to allow it to be used for cultural events, community meetings, weddings, commercial lets and more.

Features include;

• A new main hall - offering flexible auditorium and events space (17m x 16.5m) with a potential capacity for 300 people, lighting and portable staging

• New extension - containing lesser town hall (8.8m x 18m), reception and offices

• New reproduction ceiling - moulded from original designs - and proscenium arch

• New flooring throughout

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• Repaired and restored external stonework

• New kitchen, store room, toilets and locker room

• A stained glass feature - preserved from the original town hall

In addition, the first-floor balconies and the old stage have been removed as they were in a poor condition.

Council Leader Gordan Low said: "A new era is dawning for Kirkintilloch Town Hall, which has been rejuvenated and extended after major works.

"It was important that the town hall was restored, while retaining as many original architectural and heritage details as possible. Well done to all involved and I look forward to seeing the completed exhibition space."

Sandy Marshall, Chair of EDLC Trust, said, "The flexibility of the new-look town hall is key - allowing it to be used for cultural events, community meetings, weddings, commercial lets and more. There has already been a huge amount of interest in the new building.

"As well as being a first-class venue, the town hall will raise awareness of Kirkintilloch's historic past and heritage."

With major works now complete and Union Street open to traffic, work has started on creating an industrial heritage display and flexible exhibition and activity space on the first floor of the town hall. This phase is scheduled for completion in December, after which the building will be open to the public. An official opening will be held next year.

(LM/MH)