A planning application for a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and theatre has been submitted by East Renfrewshire Council.

The plans relate to the demolition of the existing Eastwood Park Leisure Centre and Theatre in Giffnock and the building of new facilities to replace these.

The proposed leisure centre would feature an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool alongside a smaller training pool, a four-court games hall with a viewing area, a gym area, fitness studios and a spin room.

(Image: Stallan-Brand) There would also be wet and drying changing facilities and a café.

The proposed theatre would be housed within the same building and would feature increased capacity and seating over two levels.

The plans also show a new smaller studio theatre and enhanced technical and back of house areas.

There would also be flexible space within the building that could potentially accommodate local events and learning space or other uses.

(Image: Stallan-Brand) The application follows a consultation period which included two public exhibitions which were held to give people the chance to have their say on the plans being put forward.

These took place after councillors agreed to proceed with the £56 million project last December.

In the early part of 2024 a range of options were considered to deliver the building within the target budget assuming a site start in late spring 2025.

In March of this year a preferred option was selected by the project’s governance board for the project team to develop.

(Image: Stallan-Brand) According to the plans, the new building would be constructed immediately adjacent to the existing facilities on a site which is currently part of the grounds of Eastwood Park.

The demolition would occur after the new facility is in place and operational to allow the existing site to remain available and in use in the interim.

(Image: Stallan-Brand) The design access statement accompanying the application said: “The proposal seeks to have a transformational impact on Eastwood Park, the surrounding area and East Renfrewshire as a whole.

“It will optimise the park as a major asset for the community recognising and enhancing the civic identity of the park, the quality of the landscape and heritage and the blend of activities and uses including leisure, culture and education.

“The focus of investment and the subject of this application is the new leisure centre and theatre building and associated landscape proposals.

“This will replace the existing leisure centre and theatre which is well beyond its intended lifespan, plagued with maintenance issues, inefficient to run and no longer meeting the aspirations of customers.

“It will include enhanced provision; a larger pool to meet demands such as more flexibility for lessons, activity classes, public swimming and training and a higher quality theatre space.

“It will also include many other improvements including fitness studios, a large sports hall, gym, local event and learning space, cafe, studio theatre, rehearsal space and theatre bar.”

(Image: Stallan-Brand) The design and planning statement also said that the planned position of the building will “optimise the benefit to the park”.

More specifically, it will allow “a generous new soft landscaped area offering flexibility for a range of events and activities.”

It also said that the arrival foyer, cafe, local event and learning space and theatre bar would have the capacity to “spill out”.

“Carefully placed contemporary glazing allows views in and out from the arrival spaces, swimming pool, gym, local event and learning space, fitness studios, cafe and theatre bar,” explained the project’s Glasgow-based architects Stallan-Brand in the document.

“Bifold elements in the south facing ground floor glazing will allow external activities in good weather in the warmer months.”

To comment on the proposals click HERE.