A JOHNSTONE woman is set to oversee a half-million-pound transformation of her local pub, in what she says will be her “dream job.”

Christine Knox will be in charge as The Osprey, in Spateston, gets a completely new look, both inside and out.

The pub, which has been a popular watering hole for generations, will also be given a new name – The Spateston Inn.

Christine told The Gazette she is excited at the prospect of running the pub she has known since childhood.

She said: “I’ve known this pub my whole life – I grew up round the corner and it was our local and my dad’s favourite.

“It’s the only pub I ever wanted, so it’s a dream come true to be taking it on.

“I want to make it the hub of the community, just as it was in my childhood, and for it to be a place where everyone feels welcome.

“I live a stone’s throw away and I see it as my chance to give back.”

Christine, an experienced licensee, has helped run bars in Renfrewshire and Glasgow for 30 years but this is the first time she has taken over a pub of her own.

The £494,000 investment at the Hallhill Road premises – Spateston’s only pub – is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will create six new jobs.

The move has been welcomed in Spateston and Corseford, with community leaders saying Heineken’s investment will help to boost positive changes that are already underway to breathe new life into the area.

Lewis Nesbitt, chairman of Spateston Tenants and Residents Association, said: “We would like to work with Heineken to see what additional benefits they could bring to the area, which at present does not have the same type of facilities enjoyed by other parts.”

George MacDonald, secretary of the tenants’ association in Corseford, added: “Spateston is only a few minutes walk from Corseford, so the investment at the inn will benefit both areas.

“There is definitely scope for more regeneration in Spateston, which needs a community hub.”

The investment will give the inn a more welcoming and contemporary look and a kitchen extension and refit will enable Christine to introduce all-day food.

Christine plans live music, quiz nights and family fun days, as well as fundraisers.

Campbell Dorward, Star Pubs & Bars area manager, said: “Spateston has seen significant investment, with lots of new homes being built. We’re pleased to be able to contribute to this regeneration by upgrading the pub and broadening its appeal.”

The pub will be closed from December 1, with the new-look premises scheduled to reopen sometime in March.