Preparatory work is underway on the site of the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village.

The initial work, undertaken by the Glasgow City Council, involves examining the condition of the derelict land, investigating ground conditions and ecological studies to bring the 38.5 hectare site up to an acceptable standard to build accommodation and facilities for athletes.

After the Games, to be held in 2014, the Athletes' Village will be turned into affordable housing for the growing city.

The Village will accommodate around 1,000 housing units during the Games. After the event, removal of temporary facilities will allow 500 additional homes to be built. Approximately 300 of the total number of houses will be social rented.

The Council has agreed a budget of £15m to fund land acquisition and remediation over the next two years leading up to the start of the main construction programmes on the site in Dalmarnock.

Around £5m will come directly from the Scottish Government as part of the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, a programme which aims to reduce the number derelict sites in the city by undertaking work to prepare them for future development and assisting regeneration projects in these areas.

Work is expected to be completed by Spring 2011.

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for Commonwealth Games Delivery, said: “Following decades of industrial neglect it is essential that the land on which we plan to build the Athletes’ Village is fit for purpose.

“Not only is it important for the Games but also after 2014 when people hope to live in the area and in these homes for many years to come.

“The preparatory work on site is the first tangible sign of what will be a first-rate athletes’ accommodation area for the Games and a new housing neighbourhood for the city.”