THE forthcoming Commonwealth Games is transforming Glasgow's cash-starved East End which is being given a massive facelift worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

And our dramatic picture vividly captures the major changes to the landscape. Changes which will provide local communities with a living legacy which will help change their lives.

Caught on camera is the sprawling Athletes' Village which will house 6500 competitors and officials. A number of three-storey townhouses have already been built close to the banks of the River Clyde with their roof terraces glinting in the sun.

Closeby is a network of grey foundations which will eventually be turned into a mini estate of 700 homes - a second home for sportsmen and women from around the globe.

After the Games, 400 of the properties will be available to rent through social landlords.

Plus a shopping and entertainment complex, as well as a restaurant for 2000 diners, a fully equipped clinic, service centres, a religious centre and emergency services facilities are also planned for the site.

The village is costing £150million and is being created by a property consortium City Legacy. Spokesman Ed Monaghan said:

"The Athlete's Village will breathe new life into a deprived area and create a lasting legacy for Glasgow."

He continued: "At the Athletes' Village, we are building not only a world- class facility for the athletes, but hundreds of affordable homes for Glasgow families which will transform Dalmarnock.

"These homes will provide accommodation for thousands of athletes and officials during the Games.

"When the Games are complete, these homes will be transformed into a community of 700 homes to buy or rent - from two-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom detached houses."

Ed Monaghan added: "The Athletes' Village is only three miles from the city centre, near Celtic Park football ground and right beside the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Common- wealth Arena.

"And we're next to the Clyde - which means riverside views for many who will live here.

"The long-term gain here in Dalmarnock is to transform it into a great place to live as part of one of the largest regeneration projects Scotland has ever seen. The Athletes Village will breathe new life into a deprived area and create a lasting legacy for Glasgow.

"All the companies involved in City Legacy are locally-based, with a strong track record – which stretches back over decades – of creating jobs for people in Glasgow.

"These companies, CCG, Cruden, Malcolm and Mactaggart & Mickel have been creating award winning family homes and environments for generations.

"At the Athletes' Village City Legacy will be creating 620 jobs, including 60 apprentices who will learn new trades that will last them a lifetime."

"We are using the latest construction technniques which will ultimately benefit the residents of the Athletes' Village.

"The development will deliver a minimum 60% reduction in carbon emissions from the new homes to be constructed - a first in Scotland for a development of this scale. We will also provide a community energy facility, which will mean significantly reduced bills for residents."

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: "The Village is the heartbeat of every Games, providing that important home-from-home for all the athletes as they prepare for the performance of their lives."

ALL of this makes for an impressive sight to Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Games on Glasgow City Council.

He said: "New homes are being built across the 35-hectares site which will be home to thousands of athletes and officials during the Games.

"Afterwards it will become a fantastic new neighbourhood for Glasgow of the highest environmental standards on the banks of the Clyde and close to a radically improved transport network."

A 120-bed complex which will become an elderly care home after the games is also under construction.

Plus the builders plan to deliver a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from the new homes being built – a first in Scotland for a development of this scale.

Beyond the village is the multi-million pound Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, brand new structures which will become theatres of dreams for badminton players and cyclists hoping to return home with a medal.

Next to the complex is the East End Regeneration Route, a new major artery linking Parkhead with the M74 extension and, in time a final leg will also connect the East End with the M8, opening up tracts of disused land for trade and commerce.

And in the background of our picture is Celtic Park, which will host the opening ceremony to be beamed around the world to an estimated 1billion television viewers as Glasgow showcases its sporting credential for 11 action-packed days.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk