A MAJOR project to provide sports facilities in Priesthill can take a step forward after the next phase was given the green light.

Glasgow City Council has approved Hillwood Community Trust’s application for permission to build a new clubhouse, including changing rooms and a community hall, on playing fields at Priesthill Road.

It is the third part of a development which has involved upgrading two grass pitches and installing a new synthetic pitch, fencing and flood lights.

The premises is used by Hillwood Football Club, which has previously been represented by some of the top names in Scottish football.

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These include former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, current Celtic chief-executive Peter Lawwell and Kenny Burns who won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest.

Other players or managers with links to the club include Tommy Coyne, Owen Coyle and Ross McCormack.

The clubhouse, which will replace re-purposed shipping containers currently used for changing, will also include a cafe/kitchen and space for match officials.

A planning report said: “The club’s name and reputation is well known, with many players progressing into the senior game at junior and professional level and in some instances bringing great credibility and pride to the club, having been recognised for international selection by Scotland with full international honours.

“Their registered players include boys and girls from various ethnic backgrounds which is something that they are extremely proud of.”

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Phase one of the project saw the trust secure a 25-year lease of the site from the council and the two grass pitches upgraded.

The second phase, completed in 2017, involved developing the synthetic pitch and introducing car parking.

Bike stands and 12 parking spaces, to avoid visitors using nearby streets, are included in the application. Some of the shipping containers will be retained for overspill changing.