PART of a former care home in Maryhill can be turned into a day care centre for adults with autism-related support needs.

Glasgow City Council has granted permission to Queens Cross Housing Association for the change of use at 21 Springbank Street.

The housing association is working in partnership with Scottish Autism on the project.

Work had already started due to “a misunderstanding regarding the necessity for this change of use application”.

The building, formerly a 13-bed care home which was let to the Mungo Foundation and used by residents with dementia, has become “increasingly unfit for purpose” due to a lack of adequate en-suite facilities.

It has been vacant since March 2016 while alternative uses have been sought.

Phase A of the redevelopment will provide en-suite accommodation for three residents with autism-related support needs and staff. Community facilities will also be improved.

In Phase B, which was the subject of the planning application, part of the building will be converted into a day care centre for adults with autism-related support needs.

“The day care centre and the now reduced care home share an entrance foyer but are otherwise separate facilities, subject to separate leases,” the application stated.

“The day care centre is intended to cater for service users from across Glasgow.

“It might be that some or all of the residents in Phase A also use the day care centre facilities in Phase B but this is not guaranteed and would depend on their individual support needs.”

Contract Building Services, which is delivering the scheme, has stated there will be a calming sensory room, support and therapy rooms and dining and common areas.

“This facility will be a valuable asset that will allow people with autism to improve their daily living skills and independence,” it added.

The building will typically be staffed between 8.30am and 5pm, with up to 13 workers and up to eight residents present. It will remain in the ownership of Queens Cross Housing Association.

Residents will be dropped off at the building and picked up at the same time each day.