PLANS to build a new leisure centre and theatre in Eastwood have been revealed.

The plan outlines Eastwood Park as the preferred site for a development, ruling out Shawwood Park and Broomburn Park in Newton Mearns.

Proposals could include a six-lane 50m swimming pool, a teaching pool and flumes, spectator area, 140-station gym, spin studio, six-court sports hall, theatre space, health suite, cafe, multi-functional cultural space and an interactive play area.

READ MORE: Major road between Barrhead and Newton Mearns set for four week closure​

The plan will go before East Renfrewshire Council for approval this evening.

A public consultation held last year showed support of 87 per cent for building new facilities in the Eastwood area.

In October, East Renfrewshire Council’s director of environment, Andrew Cahill, studied the Eastwood Park plan. 

He found this development could be built in the park but four more sports pitches could not be included.

“A considerable amount of detailed work has been carried out in relation to the possibility of a new-build leisure centre and theatre in Eastwood Park, keeping as far as possible to the original specification,” he said. 

“This has been challenging and there will be some compromises but the proposal going before councillors still offers the potential to provide a modern, vastly improved leisure facility within the park – although it would not be possible to include any additional outdoor pitches.” 

“It is for councillors to decide if this proposal should be progressed.”

It is hoped the new two-storey centre can be built on a site next to the current facility, meaning leisure services would continue during construction.

Tony Buchanan, East Renfrewshire Council leader, said: “My group has taken the time to listen, gather local views, and consider reports.

READ MORE: Oor Wullie’s bucket trail officially lands in Barrhead

“It is important that proper consideration is given to such a major project, and it is right that we have taken the time to do this thoroughly and with an open mind. 

“I am pleased that my colleagues and I will vote to build a new state of the art leisure centre in Eastwood Park, providing top class facilities for young and old alike.”

Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, and Paul Masterton, East Renfrewshire MP, have welcomed the decision to ditch Shawwood Park and Broomburn Park as options.

Mr Carlaw said: “Paul and I have consistently argued that leisure centre provision should remain at Eastwood Park and we are naturally delighted plans to build on either Shawwood Park or Broomburn Park appear to have been thrown on the scrapheap.”

Mr Masterton said: “It is welcome that a new leisure facility at Eastwood Park is now being recommended for approval as the council’s preferred option.

“The local community have worked tirelessly to protect these hugely important and valued greenfield sites.”

Meanwhile, Tory councillor Jim Swift said: “I was completely aghast at seeing Shawwood Park and Broomburn Park thrown into the mix for a leisure centre construction project.t and even more so after they were recommended as the most desirable sites.

“It’s fantastic news that what the Conservatives proposed in October has now been adopted by the SNP and Labour.”