East Dunbartonshire Council has announced that construction has begun on a new sporting facility on a derelict brownfield site to the west of Park Burn, in the Southbank area of the town.

Robertson Construction has been contracted to deliver the new asset, which will offer high-quality sporting facilities - including community access.

Preparatory works have been taking place to survey and clear the site, remove debris and obstructions, and to create foundations for the development.

Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex is due for completion in September 2022 and will include:

• A full-size, artificial 3G sports pitch with floodlighting, which can divide into three seven-a-side pitches

• Main Stand and VIP Stand spectator seating

• Pavilion building, including changing facilities, café space and toilets

• Car parking, including electric car charging points and covered bike stands.

Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, said: "It's fantastic to see work taking place on this superb new facility, which will be a first-class addition to our range of sporting assets in East Dunbartonshire. I'm delighted to see the progress being made to bring a previously vacant brownfield site back into viable use."

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Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, added: “Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex will support our Local Outcomes Improvement Plan - specifically health - helping to provide excellent opportunities to local schools, and community organisations and groups. That can only be beneficial for people's wellbeing - both physically and mentally."

The Council is funding the £5 million development, with an element of support from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme.

As the facility nears completion, the Council will undertake a comprehensive marketing exercise - giving prospective tenants a clearer picture of what is on offer, as well as how it might work for them and integrate into the local community.

It will also require prospective tenants to commit to the inclusion of community activities.

Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: "East Dunbartonshire Council is showing great commitment to the local community through the provision of these new facilities. As the contractor of choice, we will become a significant part of the community in the coming months as we transform this former brownfield site into a first-class sports complex."

The facility is being created within the Major Works Scotland & Construction Framework provided by SCAPE Scotland, a public-sector owned procurement specialist.

Angela Gray, SCAPE Scotland Relationship Manager, said: "Working in collaboration to drive economic growth is at the heart of SCAPE Scotland's ethos. This project will be of benefit to so many people in the Kirkintilloch area and, as a great asset for the community as a whole, is something that we are delighted to be involved in.

"Our frameworks use local small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction process to keep employment in the area and boost the local economy. We can't wait to see the transformation of this site into a facility that is both good for the community's heath and economy."