Work to redevelop St James’ Playing Fields in Paisley is expected to begin within months, a report has said.

The plans will see four football pitches and modern changing facilities reinstated at the park, known locally as the Racecourse.

The project, which went out to tender last May, suffered a setback when the responses came in over the planned budget.

However, it was agreed in December that another £600,000 should be put towards it, bringing the overall budget to £3.5 million.

A report will now go before the finance, resources and customer services policy board in February seeking approval to appoint a contractor. If that is granted, works are due to commence around Easter time.

SNP council leader Iain Nicolson, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, said at Tuesday’s economy and regeneration policy board: “That was one where we really had difficulty because of a whole range of different issues like ground conditions, the costs spiralling out of control in some respects and all this – and it was put on pause.

“I’m quite pleased to be able to see that it’s coming back online.”

The extent of the works were explained in a report to the board, which said: “St James’ Playing Fields project will reconstruct the previously demolished pavilions into modern and attractive changing facilities hosting eight changing rooms and appropriate staff accommodation.

“This will support four football pitches that will be brought back into use to allow this nostalgic and widely known sporting ground to become a football destination as it has been in years gone by.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, an SNP representative for Paisley Southeast, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the work getting done at St James’ because, like some of the members here, I’ve sat here for many years trying to help develop that area and it hasn’t been easy.

“It’s been a lot of difficulties for it but I think there is potential there and I think we can see that coming forward quite soon.”

After discussion with Paisley North Community Council and local elected members, other regeneration activities are being considered for the area.

This includes the possibility of an outdoor gym and community growing garden or allotment space.