CONSTRUCTION work to build a new learning and leisure campus in Neilston is now under way.

The multi-million pound project will bring Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and the Madras Family Centre together on a shared site.

Paul O’Kane MSP, who previously served as a councillor for Newton Mearns North and Neilston, said he was “delighted” that the new hub was now being built.

He said: “For two years this project was effectively paused because of Covid, but now it’s with immense satisfaction that we can all watch the project take that first step on the road to completion.

“From the very beginning, it was clear to me that the idea of having three distinct and unique educational institutions – each with their own identity and leadership – share a state-of-the-art campus and have them all benefit from that environment was something bold and important to pursue for our village.

“I was pleased to be able to build support for this concept amongst parents, young people and the wider community over these past few years. I was also pleased as education convener to secure the buy-in of the education department and appropriate funding which will see £40million spent on learning and leisure facilities in Neilston.”

The new hub is being built on the site of the existing Neilston Primary, which will remain open while construction takes place, and will have new facilities such as a large sports hall, and a dedicated space for science, technology, engineering and maths.

Mr O’Kane added: “It will be real gain for current and future generations of children from Neilston who will get to learn in a modern, vibrant educational setting.

“Of course, the wider community will also look to benefit from use of these facilities and hopefully things like a new all-weather football pitch is something be enjoyed by locals – as well as future work to deliver a new leisure centre at the St Thomas’ site.

“Young people’s education went through so much disruption in the last two years.

“That’s why all projects that look to invest in and redevelop schools, like this shared campus project certainly does, should be championed.”