Construction work is set to begin on the proposed £29m Ravenscraig leisure complex in Lanarkshire, after the plans received the approval from James Maxwell, minister for communities and sport.

The venue, which will be built as a sportscotland Regional Sports Facility, will feature a full-size indoor football pitch with the capacity for 2,000 spectators and a 135m six-lane indoor athletics training strip with field event training areas.

There will also be a nine-court indoor sports hall, a full-size floodlit outdoor sunthetic grass pitch and six floodlit synthetic five-a-side outdoor pitches.

Health and fitness facilities will comprise a modern gym, two dance studios, and an indoor soft play area.

Situated in North Lanarkshire, the new leisure centre is part of a £1bn redevelopment of a 1,110 acre brownfield site, which formerly housed the Ravenscraig steelworks.

James Maxwell said: “This development will be a major boost for Ravenscraig’s economic rebirth and to sports facilities in North Lanarkshire and the wider area.

“As part of the National and Regional Sports Facilities Strategy, the centre at Ravenscraig will provide first-class facilities for the community and an ideal training ground for the athletes.”

Funding for the project came from the North Lanarkshire Council, Ravenscraig Limited and sportscotland, which contributed £7m towards the costs.