A £35MILLION plan has been unveiled to convert the Kelvin Hall into a major culture and sports hub.

Phase one of the work would create one of the biggest Glasgow Club gyms in the city.

It would also provide storage for the Glasgow museums collections, Glasgow University's Hunterian collections and the archives of Scottish Screen and Scottish Sound presently held by the National Library of Scotland.

The second phase of work would result in a new exhibition space for the Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery.

There would also be a display area for the city's contemporary art collection and temporary fine art galleries which would stage touring shows.

There would also be special exhibitions based on the internationally significant collections held by the city council, Glasgow University, Glasgow Life and the National Library of Scotland as well as a new home for the Royal Highland Fusiliers museum, currently based in Sauchiehall Street.

City council deputy leader Archie Graham said: "The proposed redevelopment of the Kelvin Hall will enhance Glasgow's already established international reputation as a world class cultural destination.

"These proposals outline a bold vision for the future of the building, making more objects from Glasgow's collection available and creating a shared, cultural hub with the Hunterian Collection and archive material from the National Libraries of Scotland.

"At the same time, the refurbished venue will deliver one of the largest and most modern community leisure facilities anywhere in the city."

The main construction work for phase one of the project will begin early in 2014 and the completed building would be open to the public in 2016.

Mr Graham said: "The positioning of a new Museum and Art Gallery at Kelvin Hall would create, in conjunction with the nearby Kelvingrove and Riverside Museums, a group of three world class visitor attractions in the West End."

It is expected Glasgow will fund almost £23m of the cost with Glasgow University providing £9.5m and the National Libraries of Scotland £3m.

The Kelvin Hall was built in the late 1920s and council bosses say the fabric of the building is deteriorating.

On Thursday, city councillors will be asked to agree £16.5m for the first phase of the redevelopment.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk