The community-driven project, which is being led by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and Ardenglen Housing Association in partnership with Glasgow City Council and the local community, will transform St Martin’s, a Category B listed former church, and derelict adjacent site into a £3.34 million facility.

The HLF has awarded a “first round pass” for the money, which “endorses the outline proposals”, to the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and Ardenglen Housing Association.

It includes £178,900 for developing detailed plans, which must be submitted within two years.

The project hopes to create a social, cultural and economic hub incorporating a café, shop, bike services and event space.

Glasgow City Council approved funding of £1 million towards the project in June, with the rest being sought from other bodies.

Designed by architects Elder and Cannon, it is to be developed and delivered in collaboration and in partnership with a range of organisations and aims to create significant economic benefits including jobs and training opportunities for the local area.

A spokesman for the trust, which is leading the development, said: “The local community were very keen to get it completed in time for the Games, but that was always an ambitious timetable.”

Colin McLean, the head of the HLF in Scotland, said: “This is an exciting project which has been driven by the enthusiasm of the local people of Castlemilk who want to see this empty historic building brought back to life.

“What better way to do that than to build on the incredible success of the mountain biking at Cathkin Braes during the Commonwealth Games.”

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: “Glasgow’s first purpose-built international mountain bike course at Cathkin Braes is already a permanent legacy from this summer’s Commonwealth Games - providing world class facilities for the people of Glasgow.”

Due to open in 2017, the centre will also include cycle hire and repair, space for clubs, a shop, cafe, climbing wall and soft play area for children.