GLASGOW councillors are set to agree a £3.8m contract for work to extend an emergency homeless hostel.

The authority previously approved £4.5m for the overall project at the Salvation Army-ran Rodney Street centre in the north of the city.

Now, the contract is recommended to be handed to City Building to allow work on a two-storey extension to the building, providing a reception area, interview rooms, support areas and a new bedroom.

Plans for the extension come after the closure of the emergency accommodation and assessment service at Clyde Place, Tradeston.

READ MORE: Glasgow City Councillors asked to approve funding for homeless hostel

It ties in with the council's Housing First approach to respond to homelessness in the city.

Housing First sees the authority take a rapid rehousing approach, moving the most vulnerable people into a tenancy and giving them relevant support.

It follows a deal between the council, Social Bite and Wheatley Group, which saw over 50 tenancies made available.

Tenants will be provided with intensive support and the skills required to run a home, such as liaising with utility companies and paying bills.

It also covers assistance with accessing health services, further education, training and employment opportunities.

A council report states: "The construction duration is noted as being 52 weeks, however discussions will continue within the project team in an effort to reduce the construction period.

"As this is a functioning 24/7 homelessness service there is a requirement to allow this service to remain operational during the proposed extension construction works."

Clyde Place services in Kingston House closed in September 2018 The building will form part of the mixed use Buchanan Wharf development on Tradeston’s waterfront.