MULTI-MILLION pound plans to build a new leisure centre and theatre in East Renfrewshire are set to be submitted before the end of March.

The proposals for Eastwood Park could include a new 50m swimming pool, a spa and health suite, gym and fitness spaces and a six-court sports hall, as well as a new theatre for up to 400 people.

A proposal of application notice is to be submitted this month, with the detailed application sent in March.

East Renfrewshire Council is currently targeting October next year for work to get underway.

Elected members will be asked to approve prioritising the leisure centre and theatre project, in the short term, over wider plans for the future of the park when they meet today.

A total of £26million has been allocated for the project, which will mainly be spread over 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Cost options for the leisure centre and theatre will be included in the budget setting process for the next financial year. The existing £13m for 2021/22 is “sufficient” to cover the project for the coming year.

A working group was set up to look at options for the site after the park was chosen as the preferred location in June 2019. It met in March and August this year.

Andrew Cahill, the council’s director of environment, said in a report: “This is potentially a high quality, visually attractive, transformational and state-of-the-art facility that is much more than simply a leisure centre development.”

A briefing and feasibility report has been drawn up by lead designer and architect Stallan Brand.

Turner & Townsend has been appointed as project manager.

The briefing and feasibility study states the new leisure centre and theatre presents “an excellent opportunity to open up the middle of the park and reorganise elements.”

A further report will be presented to councillors in February.