The project which will see the leisure centre rebranded as the Barrhead Foundry is scheduled for completion “early” next year, according to East Renfrewshire Council.

A report to the council’s senior cabinet this week outlined additional costs being incurred after the scale of the work needed was found to be more than initially thought, and senior councillors approved an additional £130,000 outlay.

The report by the council’s direcotr of Environment and delivered by Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “During the works, a number of unforeseen or additional requirements were identified which had not been reflected in the original tender and which were unable to be captured within the contingency available for the project.

“The main elements of this are as follows: Greater than anticipated work necessary to the existing building, additional electrical installation works, additional works necessary to roof steelwork alterations, particularly reflecting risks of connecting to existing building and additional ventilation to small games hall.” The cabinet heard how the contract for the project was awarded, following a competitive tender exercise to CBC, for the sum of £2,854,258.

The project will see the former sports centre turned into a major community hub, including conference facilities, business facilities, higher education course, upgraded sports facilities and the new Barrhead library, all contained within the new two storey extension being built at the front of the centre.

Council bosses have said that they envisioned a unified facade to the Barrhead Main Street with both the new Asda building, Barrhead Foundry, East Renfrewshire Council Offices and the new Barrhead Health Centre.

Cllr Buchanan continued: “The Barrhead Foundry will generate huge dividends for individuals, community groups, local businesses and the council. For example, targeted programming will contribute towards the Early Years Collaborative, Youth Diversion Strategies, the new Employability pipeline and a range of cross departmental strategies.”