A COMMUNITY hub in Glasgow's East End packs a hefty punch.

A hi-tech training centre for the country's best young boxers has opened in what was the old Olympia Theatre at Bridgeton Cross.

The building underwent a £10 million ­upgrade three years ago.

The facelift by regeneration chiefs at Clyde Gateway transformed the B-listed property into a much needed community hub.

Now Boxing ­Scotland has opened a high performance training centre on the top floor.

It is the sport's first centralised facility and will be used to nurture the country's most ­talented boxers.

Officials say the ­academy of excellence will help young big ­hitters to achieve world rankings with the aid of top coaching.

Richard Thomas, chairman of Boxing Scotland, said: "This will be the home of Scottish champions as we look forward to building an enduring boxing dynasty.

"This is the culmination of three years working on the Boxing Scotland performance programme.

"Sports have a number of facets,but performance and the creation of champions are a priority which we see as a means to grow the sport post-Glasgow 2014.

"This facility, in ­conjunction with our excellent coaching team, the sportscotland Institute, and the continued talent that streams from our clubs, gives boxing the best chance of increased medals and increased numbers."

The project is backed by sportscotland.

Chairwoman Louise Martin said: "The facilities now available to Boxing Scotland are ­absolutely wonderful and will help the coaches to train the country's next generation of champions, as well as provide an excellent base for preparing the team that will compete at the Games in the summer."

Local councillor George Redmond, who is vice-chairman of the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company, added: "The opening of this world-class training facility in the heart of Bridgeton is another important and significant stage in the ongoing regeneration of the East End.

"There has been a lot of excitement across the local community ever since Clyde Gateway announced the plans to bring Boxing Scotland to the Olympia and on their behalf I'm delighted to welcome the athletes, coaches and officials to their new home."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk