PLANS to develop a state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex in Bearsden have been approved by the council.
East Dunbartonshire Council will modernise the site of the Allander Leisure Centre as part of a £40.9 million investment.
Work on the leisure centre, which will also include a new support centre for adults with learning disabilities, is scheduled to begin in autumn of this year.
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The build is expected to progress as a 'tandem build', ensuring that the main building of the existing centre can continue to be used by residents during the construction.
However, the council noted the start of the building work is dependent on potential issues associated with the pandemic.
Once the redevelopment is completed, residents will have access to an eight-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a sauna and steam room and a hydrotherapy pool.
The development will also see a new gym and spin studios, an eight-court games hall and two squash courts. A 'sportsdome' will include two football pitches and a tennis court.
Replacing Kirkintilloch's Kelvinbank Resource Centre, the centre will be fully equipped to become a support facility for adults with learning disabilities.
In this capacity, it will include meeting rooms, treatment rooms, changing rooms, an office and a café.
Councillor Vaughan Moody, joint council leader, described the centre as a "long-held aspiration" for the community.
He said: "I am very pleased that the project to replace Allander Leisure Centre has taken another significant step forward, helping to fulfil a long-held aspiration within the local community.
"I'm delighted the plans also include brand new support facilities for adults with learning disabilities and look forward to construction work commencing towards the end of this year, all being well."
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Work has been carried out with partners including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust and East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
Upon considering the plans, the council told it had engaged with the Allander Champions Group, local residents, community councils, Allander users, residents' associations and local schools.
Councillor Andrew Polson, joint council leader, added, "This is fantastic news for East Dunbartonshire and represents a huge capital investment from the Council.
"It has been a challenging process at times to balance a range of views in relation to the new Allander, while ensuring value for money and accommodating other considerations. Well done to all involved."
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