Plans to create a new £27million leisure complex have been given a major boost.

Results of a six-week consultation found more than half of respondents were in favour of creating a new state-of-the-art Eastwood centre.

Residents were given the chance to save the existing facility in Giffnock for £49,000 per year, but 54 per cent voted for a new centre instead.

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Councillors will discuss the results today, with potential site options set to be revealed in the coming months.

A report by Andrew Cahill, director of environment, said: “The consultation generated one of the highest response rates to any consultation exercise carried out by the council. 

“There was a clear desire for a new, larger facility on a new site. In total, 1,864 respondents voted option D as first preference, giving it more than the other three options combined.”

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Option D is a proposal to build a new facility to replace the current Eastwood Leisure Centre at a cost of £27.69m. 

The new centre would be almost three times the size of the existing complex, with the potential for a competition-size pool.

Plans are also expected to include a gym, changing facilities, badminton courts, two studios and outdoor five-a-side pitches plus possible space for a conference suite, play area, library and staff facilities.

Councillors are expected to consider seven sites for the new centre. Sites include Broomburn Park in Newton Mearns, Woodfarm Pavilion and playing fields in Giffnock, Overlee Pavilion and playing fields in Clarkston, Braidbar, Rouken Glen Park in Giffnock, Shawwood Park in Newton Mearns and Eastwood Park.

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East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton and Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw have voiced their opposition to any plans to build the new centre within Broomburn or Shawwood parks.

Mr Masterton said: “We would rather see the leisure centre re-built in its current location, saving money to be spent on education and roads.”

East Renfrewshire Council launched the consultation earlier this year after Eastwood Leisure Centre was deemed to be reaching the end of its natural lifespan. 

Other options to vote on included an £11m plan to address the current repairs backlog while installing a new pool. 

There was a £15.53m proposal to transform the existing facility into a modern leisure space. 

However, £49,000 could have been spent per year on fixing maintenance issues as they arise.