An opening date has finally been set for the £3.6 million project which has been ongoing since August 2013.

The doors to the Barrhead Foundry will open this Friday, January 30, with a special opening week of taster of events.

Residents are being invited to drop-in to the centre and take a first-look at the new multi-million pound facility and see how East Renfrewshire Council hopes they can benefit from what’s in store.

However the centre will have to close for another three days this week to allow for the finishing touches to be put in place.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokeswoman added: “A further, second phase of work has just started and will see the car park and landscaping done at the front of the building, with an expected finish date of spring 2015. Upgrading of the sports hall changing areas and work on the roof will follow.

“Once completed the Barrhead Foundry will give local residents access to a first-class library, enhanced sports facilities, digital hub, café, business centre and free wifi. This centre will provide a members own area for local business people or those looking to start their own businesses, where they can also get support and advice.

“There will also be flexible meeting spaces for local organisations and community groups, and a soft play area for children.” The entire project is expected to be finished in Summer 2015.

Included among the taster events taking place from Saturday, February 1 to Friday. February 6 will be street dance; health and fitness tasters; mini sports, mini kickers and football for youngsters; bookbug sessions; come and try visual arts workshops and loads more. Further details of what’s on will be available on the council’s web site and social media sites.

The ActionZone (gym) and fitness studio will be closed on Tuesday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 28 for electrical work.

Work on the library, learning and meeting spaces and business centre will complete in the next few days.

The library will be temporarily closed on Saturday 24 January reopening again on Friday, January 30. The Foundry building will be closed next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.