Scotland’s first dedicated para-sports facility is to be built at the Sportscotland National Sports Centre Inverclyde in Largs, Ayrshire.

The £9m development, the first of its kind anywhere in the UK, will ensure disabled athletes can train at world-class, fully integrated, multi-sports facilities.

As part of the work, a total of 60 fully adapted, disability-friendly residential rooms will be created at the centre.

Funding will be provided in its entirety by the government and Sportscotland. The centre is set to be completed in 2016.

According to Commonwealth Games secretary Shona Robison, the facility is an integral part of the government’s legacy plans for Glasgow 2014. The Games, which concluded last week, featured the highest number of parasport medal events in the history of the Games.

“We’re focused on maximising the sporting legacy of the Games,” Robison said. “The new facilities and fully adapted accommodation will give a new generation of para-athletes the chance to train at world class facilities and emulate their Games heroes.”

Sportscotland’s CEO Stewart Harris added: “This welcome announcement secures the centre as an inclusive venue encompassing a wide range of sports and physical activities, and will support para-sports and a number of small and medium Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport, as well as events in the area, particularly sailing.”