It is anticipated that the first customers will be welcomed to the new, state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex on 6 March 2023.

The site is being redeveloped as part of a £42.5 million investment by East Dunbartonshire Council - which also includes a support centre for adults with learning disabilities. McLaughlin & Harvey is the main contractor and architectural design is by Holmes Miller, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace and planning consultancy Barton Willmore.

The existing Allander is closing to allow essential utility disconnection and connection works - and the transfer to the new building nearby - to take place safely and efficiently.

The new Allander will offer:

• An eight-lane swimming pool and 20m training pool with movable floor
• Sauna and steam vitality room
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Gym and high & low intensity studios
• State-of-the-art spin room
• Eight-court games hall
• Two squash courts
• Wet and dry changing facilities
• Café.

There will also be a new support facility created for adults with learning disabilities - replacing Kelvinbank Resource Centre in Kirkintilloch. It is envisaged that will open in March, with service users to be informed of arrangements as soon as possible.

The facility will include:

• Flexible meeting rooms, quiet spaces and office
• Dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms
• Arts & crafts, dance and music rooms
• Changing rooms
• Kitchen facilities.

Demolition of the current Allander building is due to commence at the end of this month. The overall project - which includes the construction of a new ‘Sports Dome’, offering two football pitches and a tennis court - is expected to be completed by autumn 2023.

The council is working closely with partners including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT) and East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Jim Neill, chair of EDLCT, said: “It’s bittersweet as we bid farewell to the current Allander, but we’re all looking forward to welcoming our first customers to the new centre on Monday 6 March 2023. Unfortunately, it was not possible to simply close one facility and open the other due to essential utility works, the transfer of equipment and logistical
preparations. We apologise for any inconvenience, but hope everyone can bear with us as we ready the new, state-of-the-art premises for its first patrons.”

Councillor Gordan Low, leader of the council, added, “I look forward to the opening of the new Allander Leisure Centre. It has been a challenging project to deliver and I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved - from the members of the community who helped to shape the plans to all the partners involved in its construction. Exciting times are ahead for
Bearsden and East Dunbartonshire.”