A multi-use games area (MUGA) at Dargavel Primary School in Bishopton will be transformed into a 3G pitch after Renfrewshire Council said there was “clear demand” for the step.

The upgrade will provide a “much-needed” facility for the community and sports clubs at the Arrochar Drive site, the local authority said, with plans in place for lets out of school hours and at weekends.

An update on the planned project was included in a report on the learning estate to an education and children’s services policy board. It confirmed the work has been earmarked to take place in spring.

The paper said: “Following representations from the community through various engagement forums, there has also been clear demand for the sports pitch at the current Dargavel Primary School to be upgraded to provide much-needed facilities suitable for the community and local sports clubs.

“Following this feedback, the council has undertaken an assessment and is now able to proceed with upgrading the sports pitch at the school.

“Work is being planned to upgrade the facility in spring 2025 to create a 3G playing surface that will be suitable for lets out of school hours and weekends.”

Councillor James MacLaren, a Conservative representative for Bishopton, said: “I had a meeting about this immediately after the special council meeting and I was told about it then.

“It will be a 3G surface which will be very welcome in the community. I think the local football clubs will use it to train on.

“I look forward to seeing the progress at the facility in due course because we’re desperately short of football facilities in the area.

“It’s something we’ve been asking about for quite some time, so I’m glad to see we now have an update on it and it’s moving in a good direction.”

Meanwhile, work to improve the acoustics at the school building was undertaken during the summer break and has since finished.

The report added: “This work was successfully completed and feedback has been very positive about the improvements delivered.”

A new car parking and bus drop-off facility has also been proposed for the school.

The council recently applied for planning permission for that project, which will also tie in a pedestrian walking route.

Drawings have shown the area, which intends to provide a space for safe drop-off and pick-up away from the road, would lie to the east of the school building.