£18m new-look Scotstoun fits bill

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 22:00

THE £18 million refurbishment of Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow is drawing to a close, with the facility now equipped to provide a key role at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

The venue will provide a first-class training centre for Games competitors, and those behind the development hope it will provide a lasting inspiration for both elite and emerging athletes.

As well as a refurbished track and field, the development features a full-length indoor warm-up track, conditioning suites and state-of-the-art press and media facilities.The stadium's new capacity of 5,000 will also allow Scotland to bid for world-class athletic events.

The facility attracted 4m in funding from sportscotland, with the remaining 14m met by Glasgow City Council.

Council leader Steven Purcell visited Scotstoun yesterday in the company of Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy, who was impressed by his tour of the new-look stadium.

Purcell said: "This outstanding facility is testament to our commitment to provide a lasting legacy, not just for elite athletes, but for all of our communities as we build a more active and healthy Glasgow.

"Over the next few years, our investment will see other, world-class venues, such as the National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, come on stream as we count down the days to 2014."

Murphy said: "Scotstoun has a proud name in Scottish athletics, but the improvements that have been made make this a facility fit for the international athletes who will train and compete here in less than five years. I hope some of the young athletes here today will be among them.

"People across Scotland will see what a huge benefit the Games will bring to the whole of Scotland, and particularly for the city of Glasgow. The city council and the organising committee are doing a great job preparing.

"With support from business, the community and government, I am confident the Games will not only be a great success in 2014, but will leave a sporting legacy for hundreds of thousands of Scots for years to come".

Glasgow has already signalled its intention to attract competitors at the 2012 Olympics to train at Scotstoun ahead of the event itself and it is hoped a number of the world's biggest names may help to showcase the stadium.

In addition to athletics, the Glasgow Warriors rugby team have already struck a deal to use the new complex as their training base from June 2010.

A partnership between the Scottish Rugby Union, Glasgow City Council and Culture and Sport Glasgow will also see the facility become a centre of excellence for rugby.