A proposed large-scale extension of an Inverurie sports centre has taken another step forward.
The new £15million Garioch Sports Centre will massively overhaul the current site in the commuter town.
The proposals include a new home stadium for Highland League side Inverurie Locos FC.
The ground would be open for other teams to use and would have a similar surface to the one used by Kilmarnock FC players so could accommodate football and rugby.
It will now include three new indoor tennis pitches, after Judy Murray was asked to get involved in the design process.
There will also be a dedicated youth facility along with a bigger gym and a childcare centre.
A planning application has now been submitted by the Inverurie Sports Development Project steering group.
Gordon Booth, chairman of the Garioch Sports Trust said: “This is a great way to start the year with an ambitious and exciting project for people of all ages and interests in Inverurie, the Garioch and across Aberdeenshire.
“Although sports and leisure opportunities will be central to what we are providing, we will work closely with health practitioners to provide health improvement opportunities particularly for those with cardiovascular and mobility problems.
“The prospect of having facilities of the highest quality for a rapidly growing part of Scotland is something that has drawn huge support locally. The introduction of indoor tennis to Aberdeenshire in a bespoke arena with the help and advice of Judy Murray is the icing on the cake.
“We are indebted to Inverurie Community Council for the support they have given us in the submission of the planning application.”
The extension will be built alongside the current building after the developer scrapped plans to build another level on the existing facility.
