Work starts on 2014 Commonwealth Games athletes village

The village will convert to housing after the Games

Construction work has started in the east end of Glasgow to build the athletes' village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The 38.5-hectare site in Dalmarnock will house up to 6,500 competitors and officials with temporary facilities being added later.

When the Games are over, the site will convert to residential use.

It will include 304 private homes, 300 rented houses and a 120-bed care home for older people.

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Commonwealth Games, said: "Today marks the beginning of work on a historic project that will not only deliver a fantastic new neighbourhood for Glasgow but provide a home for athletes competing in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

'Memorable environment'

"This development will leave one of the most visible examples of both the legacy from the Games and Glasgow's regeneration, with the plans showing homes that will provide a memorable environment for athletes in 2014 and an attractive location for all those living in the development thereafter."

The site is expected to create 129 new jobs, with a total of 820 people work there - including 60 apprentices and 200 construction workers.

Of the new jobs, 36 will be created by sub-contractors and suppliers, 24 of which will also be apprentices.

The athletes' village is being built by City Legacy consortium which comprises developers and contractors CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart and Mickel and WH Malcolm.

When the temporary facilities are removed from the Games site, more land will be cleared for housing, with up to 1,400 homes being built.

Officials say the building methods used and the way energy is supplied to the site will reduce carbon emissions created by the work by about 60% of normal levels.

Ed Monaghan, from City Legacy, said: "The City Legacy Consortium is investing £150m to transform the area into a much sought-after riverside residential location which showcases the athletes' village as the best in contemporary and sustainable design.

"We are proud to be part of building a lasting legacy for the east end of Glasgow and bringing job opportunities into the area."

The consortium is also said to be contributing £150m to build additional houses after the sports event.

Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: "The athletes' village will be one of the most important aspects of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and this successful milestone shows we remain on track towards delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games on time and on budget."

John Scott, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, added: "Designed for athletes in consultation with athletes, the village promises to be a true home-from-home experience for the 6,500 athletes and officials from all over the world coming to Glasgow in 2014."