The council will redevelop the site as part of a £40.9 million investment - including a state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex, as well as a new support centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Councillors voted to approve proposals at a meeting on June 23, subject to completion of a legal agreement and a number of conditions.

The new Allander Leisure Centre plans include:

• Eight-lane swimming pool and teaching pool
• Sauna and steam room
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Gym (high intensity, low intensity) and spin studios
• Eight-court games hall
• Two squash courts
• Wet and dry changing facilities
• Café
• ‘Sportsdrome’ - including three football pitches and a tennis court.

There will also be a new support facility created for adults with learning disabilities - replacing Kelvinbank Resource Centre in Kirkintilloch - which will include meeting rooms, treatment rooms, an office, café and changing rooms.

As well as public exhibitions and online resources, engagement has taken place with the Allander Champions Group, local residents, community councils, Allander users, residents’ associations and local schools.

Work has been carried out with partners including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust and East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Councillor Vaughan Moody, joint council leader, said: “I am very pleased that the project to replace Allander Leisure Centre has taken another significant step forward, helping to fulfil a long-held aspiration within the local community.

“I’m delighted the plans also include brand new support facilities for adults with learning disabilities and look forward to construction work commencing towards the end of this year, all being well.”

Councillor Andrew Polson, joint council leader, added: “This is fantastic news for East Dunbartonshire and represents a huge capital investment from the council.

“It has been a challenging process at times to balance a range of views in relation to the new Allander, while ensuring value for money and accommodating other considerations. Well done to all involved.”

It is intended that the development will be progressed as a ‘tandem build’ in order that the existing main building of the Allander Leisure Centre is able to be used during construction of the new complex.

Work is currently scheduled to begin on-site in October/November 2020.

Images courtesy of Holmes Miller