Councillors have awarded a £2.7million contract to upgrade Paisley's St James’ Playing Fields, also known as ‘The Racecourse’.

The construction of changing facilities hosting eight changing rooms and office space for staff, four football pitches and a new walking path has been set in motion.

Work on-site is set to commence in mid-March and is expected to conclude by the end of 2024.

Councillor John Shaw, convener of finance, resources and customer services policy board, said: "It’s great to see this contract awarded so football can return to this well-loved facility once again as I know many local people have fond memories of playing there in years gone by.

“The new changing rooms and infrastructure will make it an attractive place to play football and it’s always great to see new sports facilities become available to the local community.

"I look forward to the works beginning on site soon and the council will continue to liaise with elected members and community groups on potential uses for the rest of the playing fields in the future."

The council is also seeking community engagement to determine suitable uses for additional space on the grounds.

Possibilities include outdoor gyms, community growing gardens, or allotment spaces.

Renfrewshire has been investing in sports facilities recently.

Besides St James’ Playing Fields, developments include astroturf pitches at Park Mains, Johnstone, and Gryffe high schools, and refurbishments at Ferguslie Sports Centre.

The council is working closely with Renfrew Victoria Football Club on their community asset transfer of a football pitch in Kirklandneuk.

New tennis courts will also soon be in place at Robertson Park in Renfrew and Park Road in Johnstone, with the courts in Brodie Park in Paisley upgraded.

There are plans to improve the hockey pitch and running track at Linwood’s On-X Sports Centre as part of the council and OneRen’s support for sport in Renfrewshire.