THE Glasgow Academy has been given the go-ahead for a major sports and music facility at its West End campus.

City councillors approved the £23million plan today for the site at the junction of Colebrooke Street and Great Western Road.

The new two-storey building will house offices and flexible learning spaces, a sports hall and swimming pool.

It will be built on the site of the outdoor games area in the south west corner of the campus, between the main [B-listed] building and Great Western Road.

It will include a roof terrace providing external play and learning opportunities. The building will have a mixed species sedum roof.

A new games area and outdoor play spaces, will be created to the east of the main building, between it and the wooded banks of the River Kelvin.

Existing sports and music buildings, dating from the latter part of the 20th century will be demolished and accommodated in the new facilities.

All existing staff car parking will be removed, with enhanced cycle parking facilities provided across the site.

The school state on their website: “We are immensely proud of our sporting and musical traditions empowering our pupils to participate in a range of sports and activities, whilst enhancing their health and wellbeing.

“After decades of use, our current facilities are at risk of becoming not fit-for-purpose as we endeavour to establish a world-class provision in education, sport and music in Scotland and beyond.

“This has led to The Glasgow Academy reimagining the future of its sports and music facilities to arrive at a transformative proposal –- Project 100 -– to develop a landmark sports, music and wellness centre at its Kelvinbridge campus.

“The ambitious £23 million development will enhance the current and future needs of the school and the wider community, with external sports and community groups invited to also use and enjoy the facilities.”