A new Eastwood leisure centre and theatre has moved a step closer after planning permission was granted, but concerns over the cost remain.
The project would include a leisure centre, with 50m pool, a 20m training pool, family fun pool with flume, a six-court games hall, large gym and four fitness studios in Eastwood Park.
A theatre, with up to 350 seats and rehearsal space, a library and cultural facilities would also be created.
There are still questions over the price — after a report last year revealed it could hit more than £50m — but East Renfrewshire councillors said they were not for the planning committee to consider.
Cllr Jim Swift said: “I agree costs are not a planning concern, they are a concern for the full council.
“They are an issue though, but it’s not for discussion here. I’m intrigued by our aspirations towards an Olympic-size swimming pool and maybe I can look forward to the next Giffnock Olympics, which I’m sure will be a massive global event.
“Sometimes perhaps we overreach on our ambitions versus our financial capacity to realise them.”
But Provost Jim Fletcher said: “I’ve had the benefit of being on the trust board, having a number of presentations as we’ve moved forward and looked at the various comments from the user groups.
“I think it’s fair to say that everybody is very enthusiastic about the finished product.
“I know like everything else in local government, there’s issues of cost and paying for it, but I have to say I was surprised to see it listed as a planning concern, because clearly the cost of it is something that can be debated in the council if people so wish.
“I think many people are looking forward to a replacement leisure centre, both for theatre and for swimming. It brings the council into the new century.”
The plans also include an outdoor amphitheatre for performances or use for a festival, exhibition or market.
Cllr Annette Ireland, the planning committee convener, said: “This is a very exciting project and will be an invaluable asset for the community.
“The current leisure centre is more than 40 years old and is no longer fit for purpose. Creating this fantastic, modern facility will provide East Renfrewshire residents, and visitors from further afield, with a first class facility that will be there for generations to come.”
A council officer said work getting under way on site “depends on whether the council decides to fund the project”. “The planning consent will last five years, it really comes down to the financials of it.”
It is expected work will start on site next year, and the current leisure centre will remain open during construction.
In March last year, councillors agreed to continue developing proposals for the Eastwood centre despite some raising concerns over the cost of the project.
Initially, £26m had been allocated for the scheme, but council bosses said this figure would be “refined” at a later date. At that March meeting, councillors heard how the basic construction costs could be £47.5m, with the overall price potentially reaching £55m.
