New 6,000-seater basketball stadium to be built in East Kilbride
The complex will be home to the Caledonia Gladiators and is due to be completed in 2026
Scottish basketball team Caledonia Gladiators have announced plans for a new £20million project to build "one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe".
Club owners Steve and Alison Timoney have revealed the ambitious two-stage project.
An initial, temporary development phase will see the Gladiators men's and women's teams move into to a 1,800-seater arena at Playsport just after summer.
Work will then begin on a 6,000 capacity complex that includes a five-court practice and community facility, which is due to be completed in 2026.
It comes the week before the Caledonia Gladiators - formerly known as the Glasgow Rocks - play in their first BBL Trophy final in nine years.
Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney, a Glasgow based businessman, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the future of the Caledonia Gladiators.
“Our new base at PlaySport will go on to become one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once it is completed in 2026.
“It includes plans for a class-leading academy, which will train youngsters from Scotland and across the world with the aim of developing them into elite players.
“We believe our new facility has the potential to help Caledonia Gladiators become one of the most successful men and women’s teams in the BBL and WBBL, with ambitions to play at the top level in Europe.
“It’s a great time for the club, with our BBL Trophy Final match round the corner, and we’re all hugely looking forward to that match.”
Gareth Murray, Caledonia Gladiators head coach, said: “We’re really proud to be announcing our new plans for the club.
“Given the current pressures of working between The Emirates Arena for the men’s team, and The Lagoon in Paisley for the women’s team, it was vital we found a permanent home, so this is a really positive step forward.
“It’s such an exciting time for everyone involved with the Caledonia Gladiators, and I know our team are all looking forward to playing in the new arena.
“All our focus now is on winning the BBL Trophy later this month, which would be a huge moment for the supporters and everyone at the club.”