Work is set to commence on two multi-million pound developments in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.

The local authority has said the regeneration projects will "change the face" of the town's Main Street.

From Monday 18 November, the first project will see the council start work on the £3.8m Barrhead Foundry. This will involve the current Barrhead Sports Centre being transformed into a state-of-the-art community hub. The building will receive a new two-store extension and will support new library facilities, improved sports facilities, flexible community meeting spaces, business support, back-to-work and employment help as well as a café.

The first phase of work will see the reception temporarily relocated to the back of the centre, while some other minor internal works will be carried out before contractors begin building the extension proper in January.


It is understood it will take around a year to complete.

The second major regeneration project involves supermarket chain Asda starting work on its new £22m superstore. The store is being constructed on a redundant site behind the town's former health centre and contractors have already begun demolishing the building and library to make way for the 25,000 sq ft retail space.

The new development will include a petrol station, parking for 250 cars and two electronic car charge points.

Barr Construction is the main contractor on the build and it is anticipated that work on the new store will begin once demolition of the health centre is complete.

The store is scheduled to open in late summer of 2014.

Discussing the projects, Convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "We are delighted to get work under way on our substantial investment programme in Barrhead, the Foundry.

"This will be a fantastic addition to Barrhead and will really transform the Main Street. The Barrhead Foundry will offer first-class services that will really make a difference to the people of the local community.

"It is also the latest in a long line of major investments the council has made in the town to make it a vibrant and thriving community with the very best facilities. I look forward to seeing it take shape."

Derek Simpson, Operations Manager for Barr Construction, added: "As a Paisley-based company Barr Construction is proud to be involved in the regeneration of the local area. We are looking forward to starting works and playing an integral role in the redevelopment of the town centre."

(JP/IT)