MCLAUGHLIN & Harvey is nearing completion of the build of the new £42.5 million Allander Leisure Centre in Bearsden.
East Dunbartonshire Council said the facility is on track to open on March 6, with the overall project – which includes a sports dome – expected to be completed by autumn.
Holmes Miller is behind the architectural design of the centre, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace, and planning consultancy Barton Willmore.
The new facility features a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool; sauna and steam vitality facility; high and low intensity studios; an eight-court games hall; two squash courts; wet and dry changing facilities; a café and ‘spacious’ reception area; a 100-station gym with ‘state-of-the-art’ equipment; a hydrotherapy pool; and more, including two football pitches and a tennis court in the sports dome.
In addition, there is also a new support facility for adults with learning disabilities which replaces the Kelvinbank resource centre in Kirkintilloch. It includes flexible meeting rooms, quiet spaces, and office; dementia, rebound, sensory, and physiotherapy treatment rooms; arts & crafts, dance and music rooms; changing rooms; and kitchen facilities.
Jim Neill, chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture, said, “I want to thank everyone for their patience during the handover from the old to the new Allander. Complex utility works have been taking place and safety is paramount. I’m delighted to say that phase one is nearly complete and excitement is building as we look forward to welcoming our first customers.”
Councillor Gordan Low, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, added, “This significant capital investment will benefit people across East Dunbartonshire – providing excellent fitness and leisure facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art centre for adults with learning disabilities. The project is being built in phases and has been a joint effort involving a range of partners.”
