East Dunbartonshire Council has welcomed the news that contractors are "on track" to deliver the first phase of the new Allander Leisure Centre.

The facility is on track to open to customers on Monday 6 March 2023. It's part of a £42.5 million investment by East Dunbartonshire Council - which also includes a support centre for adults with learning disabilities.

The overall project – which involves the construction of a new 'Sports Dome', offering two football pitches and a tennis court – is expected to be completed by autumn 2023.

• The 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool has been filled with 637,500 litres of water - a delicate process which began at the end of 2022. Water and heat must be slowly added to ensure the tiles are not damaged.

• A Pool Pod has been installed which will allow people with mobility challenges to access the water, using a wheelchair or step.

• Diving blocks are in place and the 20-metre, three-lane training pool has also been filled - with a moveable floor that can descend to two metres, allowing it to cater for all ages.

• Static bikes have been installed in the ICG Connect Indoor Cycling Studio, as well as dynamic lighting and a video wall which can display real-time information and take 'spinners' on a virtual tour of the world!

• The 100-station Gym will offer state-of-the-art equipment and inspiration to help patrons achieve their fitness goals.

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• The hydrotherapy pool has been filled and is ready for use by people with learning disabilities, families with young babies and people with mobility issues.

The demolition process is underway at the old Allander, which is next door, with restricted parking in the meantime. The Council has managed to secure additional parking nearby, which will be signposted, until the entire project is completed.

The new Allander will also offer:

• Sauna and steam vitality facility

• High and low intensity studios

• Eight-court games hall

• Two squash courts

• Wet and dry changing facilities

• Café and bright, spacious reception area.

In addition, there is a new support facility for adults with learning disabilities - replacing Kelvinbank Resource Centre in Kirkintilloch - opening to service users on 9 March.

That will include:

• Flexible meeting rooms, quiet spaces and office

• Dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms

• Arts & crafts, dance and music rooms

• Changing rooms

• Kitchen facilities.

Visits are being arranged for user groups and staff orientation sessions are underway.

The Council is working closely with partners including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT) and East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Jim Neill, Chair of EDLCT, said: "I want to thank everyone for their patience during the handover from the old to the new Allander. Complex utility works have been taking place and safety is paramount. I'm delighted to say that phase one is nearly complete and excitement is building as we look forward to welcoming our first customers."

Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of the Council, added: "This significant capital investment will benefit people across East Dunbartonshire - providing excellent fitness and leisure facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art centre for adults with learning disabilities. The project is being built in phases and has been a joint effort involving a range of partners."

McLaughlin & Harvey is the main contractor and architectural design is by Holmes Miller, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace and planning consultancy Barton Willmore.

• The project is being delivered as part of the Scape - Major Works - UK Framework.

• The planning process included public exhibitions and online resources, as well as engagement with the Allander Champions Group, local residents, community councils, Allander users, residents' associations and local schools.

• The HSCP's approved East Dunbartonshire Adult Learning Disability Strategy 2018-23 committed to developing redesigned day services for people with learning disabilities in East Dunbartonshire - reprovisioning the current service delivered at Kelvinbank Resource Centre, Kirkintilloch.