PLANS for a new community sports complex in Lennoxtown have been given the green light.
East Dunbartonshire Council has approved plans to redevelop the current High Park site by installing a new all-weather sports pitch and extending the existing changing pavilion to increase capacity.
The £4.3m development will see the existing grass playing fields replaced by a single 3G Astroturf pitch to allow for more frequent use throughout the year as opposed to the current restricted use due to weather conditions.
The existing single storey pavilion – which houses two changing rooms, toilet/shower facilities and a facility both used by council employees – will be extended to create two new changing rooms with toilet/shower facilities as well as an equipment store.
The project will also include drainage and retention works to alleviate issues with standing surface water, pitch floodlighting, spectator standing areas, additional car parking and cycle parking.
Councillor Gordan Low, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “This is fantastic news and will be a huge boost for sports clubs in the area as well as increasing access to sporting activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing for the community.
“The development of this sports complex is aimed at providing an enhanced community resource for the people of Lennoxtown and the surrounding area. I’m sure they will be delighted with the new facility when it opens next year.”
The completed facility will remain under the council’s ownership but will be managed and operated by the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLC).
Work is currently scheduled to begin on-site later this year.