INDEPENDENT councillor David Macdonald has reiterated calls to introduce an alternative plan for Eastwood Leisure Centre.

Mr Macdonald has insisted that the complex should remain at Eastwood Park but should be relocated into the current East Renfrewshire Council HQ building.

Under his proposals, the committee rooms, council chamber and offices for the Provost and council leader would be moved to Eastwood House.

READ MORE: Majority in favour of bigger Eastwood centre on new site

In addition, council staff would be transferred to offices in Barrhead’s Main Street.

It comes after a new report by Turner and Townsend Consultants recommended that the council HQ should be demolished to save £260,000 every year.

Mr Macdonald said: “Initially, I made calls to demolish the council HQ building but another viable alternative is to simply convert the existing building into various health and fitness suites.

“The more I look at this option, the more I think this is the way forward. It’s an environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient option.”

Mr Macdonald admitted he would need the backing of fellow councillors, despite Tory leader Stewart Miller previously branding his plan as “stupid”.

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The Independent member added: “The leisure centre needs to stay in Eastwood Park. We can have a wonderful upgraded facility built there, fit for the future, at a fraction of the cost that is being batted about.”

Mr Macdonald has previously called for a new car park to be built which would replace the current parking provision at Eastwood Park.

He has also said Eastwood Park Theatre should be kept intact and fees charged to drama groups should be cut.