A "groundbreaking" ceremony marked the start of construction on a new multi-million-pound sports complex in Lennoxtown.

Expected to be completed in early 2024, the new £4.3 million sports facility at Lennoxtown High Park will feature a new all-weather sports pitch and expanded changing facility.

Councillor Paul Ferretti, convenor of the East Dunbartonshire Council's place, neighbourhood and corporate assets committee, cut the first sod at the celebration on Wednesday (August 30) to mark the official start of construction.

He said: “This is a great milestone for Lennoxtown and represents a major capital investment in the town by the Council.

“An all-weather pitch serving Lennoxtown is something that has been a long-term aspiration for this area and I’m delighted that we are able to help make it a reality.

“Not only is it a positive for local sports clubs, it will also increase access to sporting activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing for the wider community.

“This will be an enhanced community resource for the people of Lennoxtown and the surrounding area to enjoy for many years to come.”

The revamped sports hub will see the existing grass playing fields replaced by a single 3G Astroturf pitch that can be used throughout the year regardless of inclement weather conditions.

The existing single storey pavilion will be extended to create two new changing rooms with toilet and shower facilities as well as an equipment store.

The project will also include drainage and retention works to rectify issues with standing surface water, pitch floodlighting, spectator standing areas, additional car parking, and cycle parking.

East Dunbartonshire Council is working with partners SCAPE Scotland and Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland to deliver the project.

Lillian McDowall, head of business development at SCAPE Scotland said: “We are delighted to be delivering this project along with our partner Morgan Sindall for East Dunbartonshire Council.

“The sports complex will be an important asset for the people of Lennoxtown and East Dunbartonshire and we’re honoured to be here for the ground breaking ceremony marking the start of the construction phase.”

Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, added: “We are extremely proud to commence work on Lennoxtown High Park which will deliver a brand-new sports facility for local residents to enjoy.

"Throughout the delivery of the new site, we are committed to extending the benefits to the local community through school visits, careers talks, and donations to local community projects, in line with our appointment through the SCAPE Scotland Framework and as part of our Intelligent Solutions approach to enhancing the lives and communities of where we work.

"A special thanks to everyone who came down today to mark the ground-breaking ceremony and we look forward to delivering the project."

The completed facility will remain under the Council’s ownership but will be managed and operated by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLC).