Work has officially started on the new £3.8million community sports facility for Clydebank.

Clydebank Community Sports Hub (CCSH) is being built on the site of old playing fields on Whitecrook’s Dean Street.

Ground was broken at the site, as Councillor Iain McLaren and Councillor Diane Docherty were joined by Kevin Stewart MSP in cutting the first sod.

Facilities including a new full size, flood-lit, all-weather synthetic pitch, two re-developed grass pitches, 10 community allotments and newly renovated indoor sports facilities − with room for clubs and community groups to meet – are all part of the project.

Councillor Iain McLaren, West Dunbartonshire Council’s convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “This is a very exciting project for Clydebank and it will make Whitecrook a real, lively hub of sporting activity.

“And as well as all the brilliant sports facilities that will be available, we were determined to ensure the wider community could make use of the CCSH too, which is why there will be community allotments and space for community groups to meet.

“I know the clubs involved are delighted at the prospect of having such a wonderful place to train and compete and I can’t wait to a see the result of this work.”

Kevin Stewart, minister for local government and housing, said: “I’m delighted to be here today to see work officially start on this project, which will redevelop an almost derelict site into a modern, purpose-built community hub for use by all of the local community.

“The hub will offer much more than sporting facilities - it will provide significant regeneration outcomes for Whitecrook using sport as a catalyst, particularly in relation to health and wellbeing, engaging with and educating young people, addressing unemployment and crime and encouraging community participation and volunteering.

“Community planning is at the heart of this project and I’m pleased that the community has been at the forefront of developing it to make sure it meets local needs.”