Multi-million pound plans to build a state-of-the-art leisure centre and theatre in East Renfrewshire have moved to the next stage.

A formal consultation is being launched today to give local residents their say in the final design of the new hub, which will be built in Eastwood Park.

East Renfrewshire Council has pledged that all feedback will be considered before a full planning application is submitted later this year.

The proposals include a leisure centre, theatre, library and cultural facilities.

The leisure centre is set to feature a 50m pool, a 20m training pool, a family fun pool with flume, a six-court games hall, a large gym area and four fitness studios.

Work is expected to begin early next year, with the building taking shape at a site next to the current Eastwood leisure hub, which will remain open while construction takes place.

It is hoped the new centre will be up and running some time in 2024.

East Renfrewshire Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “This is a significant milestone in our plans to deliver vastly-improved leisure and culture facilities in Eastwood.

“We want to provide the very best facilities for our residents, so it’s important that we hear directly from our communities about what they would like to see in this new facility, to help shape the final proposal which is put forward for planning permission.”

In March, the Barrhead News told how concerns had been raised over the growing costs of the new leisure hub.

A total of £26million had been allocated to the project but council bosses said it was “made clear” at the time that this would be “refined” later.

Project managers have said that, under the current plans, the basic construction costs would be £47.5m.

Anyone who would like to have their say on the plans should visit www.eastwoodleisure.co.uk before Friday, June 4.