THE consortium behind the Athletes' Village has been honoured with the highest UK award for British businesses.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander presented City Legacy with the Queen's Award for Enterprise at a ceremony in the City Chambers.

It is the 25th accolade the Athletes' Village has won for its high quality design, energy efficiency and sustainability.

The development of 700 homes and a 120 bed care home has played a important role in the regeneration of the East End.

It provided accommodation for 6500 athletes and officials during the 2014 Commonwealth Games before being converted into homes for sale and rent.

The consortium which built the village is made up of CCG, Cruden, Mactaggart and Mickel and WH Malcolm.

Martin Kiely, managing director of WH Malcolm said: "It has been a rewarding and inspiring journey from idea to delivery of the Athletes' Village and this award really belongs to the staff at all four companies who worked tirelessly for years to ensure the success of the project.

"We knew from day one that the Village would offer a lasting legacy for Glasgow's East End.

"With a decision on planning permission for the second phase of this development expected in the coming weeks, we hope to begin the next chapter of this amazing success story."

Ms Bolander said the Village was one of the great legacies of the Commonwealth Games and she was delighted it had been recognised by the Queen's Award for enterprise in sustainable development.

She added: "The Athletes' Village was key, along with the Emirates Arena and the Clyde Gateway route, in the regeneration of Dalmarnock which now has a new community centre, nursery, woodland park and care home with a new primary school on the way."