East Dunbartonshire Council is redeveloping the current Bearsden site as part of a £42.5 million investment - including a new, state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex, as well as a support centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Work is being carried out in phases, with the first - construction of the new Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre - beginning in January this year.

The foundations have been successfully laid and construction of the steel frame is almost complete - with the final bolts being put in. Main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey plans to commence ‘envelope works’ in the coming weeks, which will include roofing, walls, windows, doors, floors and more.

The centre is due to open in autumn 2022, with the final project forecast to be completed by summer 2023. Phase two involves the decommission and demolition of the existing leisure centre, with phase three being the construction of a new ‘Sportsdrome’ and final car park works.

Councillor Vaughan Moody, joint leader of the council, said: “I am delighted to see a new era taking shape for the Allander, with work progressing well on this state-of-the-art project. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved as we look forward to welcoming this multi-million pound complex - including support facilities for adults with learning disabilities.

“We have worked with our partners to ensure the existing Allander Leisure Centre is able to continue to operate, where possible, while work is carried out.”

Councillor Andrew Polson, joint leader of the Council, added: “It has been a long road to reach this milestone stage and I want to thank everyone who has taken part in the journey - including local residents, organisations and partners.

“Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre represents a major capital investment by the council and will help to change local lives for the better. I can’t wait to welcome the completed project, which will offer a range of facilities to help inspire and support people of all ages.”

The new Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre will include:

• An eight-lane swimming pool and a 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
• ‘Sportsdrome’ - including two 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:

• Flexible meeting rooms, quiet spaces and office
• Dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms
• Arts & crafts, dance and music rooms
• State-of-the-art changing rooms
• Training kitchen for learning.

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.

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

As part of the agreement with McLaughlin & Harvey, the contractor has engaged with the community throughout the project.

Managing director Paul Griffen said: “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be working with East Dunbartonshire Council to deliver Allander Leisure and Day Care Centre.

“From the commencement of this exciting project, we have been working in partnership with the Council and supporting the local community. It has been a really positive experience to date and we will continue to input into local projects, employment and skills throughout the duration of the project.”