Construction work has started on a new £3.7 million BMX track in Glasgow.

The BMX Centre at Knightswood Recreation Ground is being created ahead of the 2018 European Championships. It is the only permanent venue being built for use at the event and completion is scheduled for late spring next year.

Funded by Glasgow 2018 (£2.8m), sportscotland (£500,000), Glasgow City Council (£330,000) and HSBC/British Cycling (£50,000), the facility will become home of the Western Titans BMX Club.

Features will include eight and metre start ramps for advanced riders and competition use, along with a smaller pump track suitable for learners. Both tracks will be fully floodlit, with the BMX Centre featuring changing facilities, a meeting room, a car park and an access road from Archerhill Road. A playpark and multi-use games area on the edge of the current blaes pitches will remain.

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Depute Council Leader David McDonald said: "Knightswood BMX Centre will be the latest addition to Glasgow's world-class sporting estate. As well as hosting major events the state-of-the-art facility will be open for community use, helping inspire a new generation of young cyclists to take up the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations."

Sport Minister Aileen Campbell said: "When complete, the £3.7 million Knightswood BMX Centre will build on the success of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at the Emirates Arena and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, enabling top athletes to compete in their discipline of choice and encouraging grass-roots riders of all ages and abilities to get involved in this great sport."

(LM/MH)