Construction work on a £2.5m refurbishment of Dumfries Ice Bowl is expected to get underway in January 2010 after Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) gave plans the green light.

DGC's resources committee approved the project on 18 August, which will include the development of a new purpose-built curling pad leading to a centre of excellence, as well as the much-needed repair and upgrade of the facility's plant to comply with EU regulations. A further report will go before the resources committee at a later date in order to present options for the provision of indoor bowling facilities in the Dumfries area for Nithsdale Indoor Bowls Club and other bowlers while the work is carried out.

The council will also enter into talks with the national governing body for bowls in Scotland to discuss options for ensuring that national league fixtures after 2010 can be fulfilled. Graham Nicol, vice chair of DGC's resources committee said: "This will assist with the regeneration of Dumfries. It will also enable the core ice sports to grow and develop, following on from the recent success of local sports people on the national stage."