WORK to flatten an old community centre as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment is finally underway.

The demolition of the former Health and Wellbeing Centre in Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, started this week.

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It is being knocked down to make way for acommunity hub and enterprise centre in a £3.5million bid to regenerate the wider area.

Wendy Malone, Twin Valley Homes’ head of project management, said the social housing provider had listened to residents and ‘tried to match their hopes and expectations for the future of their community’.

She said the existing buildings were ‘tired’ and would be replaced by ‘modern, fit-for-purpose shops’ and Enterprise Centre as the hub of the community.

And a Twin Valley Homes spokesman said: “The background to this project includes considering how to improve the appearance and functionality of the existing shops on Ballantrae Road as these do not help in the appearance of their immediate surroundings.

“In addition, Twin Valley Homes is looking to build further housing in the area in line with its commitment to provide low-cost affordable accommodation .”

The community hub scheme will provide space for five shops, a space for sports and recreation, a kitchen for breakfast clubs and cooking allotment foods.

It includes IT facilities and a one-stop shop for advice on wealth and wellbeing.

Existing shops will be re-sited at the new hub and enterprise centre at the junction of Rothesay Road and Dunoon Drive.

Eight two-bedroom houses and six three-bedroom homes will also be built.