Multi-million pound plans for a new leisure centre and theatre complex in East Renfrewshire have taken a giant step forward.

A planning application has now been submitted to seek approval for the new cultural hub at Eastwood Park, in Giffnock.

It is set to boast a theatre, library and leisure centre, including a 50m swimming pool, 20m training pool, family fun pool with flume, six-court games hall, large gym area and four fitness studios.

The submission of the planning application follows a pre-application consultation period held during May, which allowed local residents to share their views and help shape the proposals now put forward.

Residents can view the full proposals online and submit comments until Friday, October 1.

Andy Cahill, East Renfrewshire Council’s director of environment, told the Barrhead News: “We’ve worked hard to get this project to this stage and have taken on board the points made during the pre-planning application phase.

“The application will now be assessed and go before a future planning committee.”

If planning permission is granted, it is proposed that work would begin early next year.

The current leisure centre at Eastwood Park would remain open during the construction period until the new hub is ready to welcome visitors in 2024.

Earlier this year, the Barrhead News told how concerns had been raised over the growing costs of the new leisure hub.

A total of £26million had been allocated to the project but council bosses said it was “made clear” at the time that this would be “refined” later.

Project managers then stated that basic construction costs alone would be more than £47m.

To view the full planning application, which includes drawings and reports, visit the council’s online planning portal and search for reference 2021/0694/TP.