BUILDING work is underway on the new multi-million pound Arthurlie Family Centre in Barrhead.

The remains of the former Auchenback Primary School have been cleared, after councillors approved the removal of asbestos contaminated soil.

The cost of the centre rose to £5.3million after a further £390,000 spend was sanctioned.

ERC says the centre will be a “pioneering” community hub that brings together early years services under one roof and is planned to complete for late 2017 with transfer from the existing Arthurlie Family Centre taking place shortly after.

The new building will provide a modern, purpose-built facility that delivers services at the heart of the Auchenback community.

Councillors, staff and young people who will use the centre joined together at the site on Friday, January 27 for a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the work.

East Renfrewshire convener for education and equalities, councillor Elaine Green, said: “This new facility will be of enormous benefit to our youngest residents and their families, as well as being a fantastic asset for the Barrhead community.

“It’s extremely exciting that building work is under way and I can’t wait to see it progressing in the coming months.”

Once completed, the centre will increase the number of early years places in the area.

It has been developed as part of the council’s early years work in a partnership between Education, Health and Social Care and Environment.

The new Arthurlie Family Centre will offer 120 morning and 120 afternoon places for three to five-year-olds.

In addition it will offer 50 part-time places for children aged from birth to three and provide a community space for families.

Working with children and families from an early age, in the one centre, has a host of benefits to their development.

The building will also bring together front-line staff from other council services and partner organisations, such as health visitors and social workers.

There will be accommodation to enable staff to work with parents while their child is learning and cared for.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, chairman of the East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership Board said: “This family-focused building will support people in the heart of their community and help us to provide all the support required to ensure all children flourish to get the best start in life and be all they can be.

“By creating opportunities to offer more support during the early years we can have a lasting impact on our children’s futures.”