GLASGOW'S Athletes' Village has won three top Scottish Government design awards.

The joint entry by Glasgow City Council and City Legacy, the consortium which designed and built the development, swept the boards at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

It took top place in the 'development on the ground' category, the 'delivering in partnership award' and was named the overall winner.

The Village, which was built on brownfield land in the East End, was temporary home to 6500 athletes and officials during the Commonwealth Games.

It is currently being turned into 300 private homes and 400 housing association units.

The Village, Scotland's first large-scale carbon neutral housing development, included a medical centre, shops, recreation areas and 24-hour dining facilities for Games athletes and team officials.

As part of the Games legacy, 60,000 items used by Games athletes are being given away free to vulnerable people who need help to furnish their home.

Calum Murray, director of CCG which represented City Legacy, accepted the awards alongside council planning chief Forbes Baron.

Mr Murray said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won these prestigious awards. To win one was fantastic but all three is a momentous achievement.

"The Athletes' Village is a fantastic example of urban regeneration, turning what was an oasis of dereliction into one of the most celebrated residential communities Scotland has ever seen.

"The interest which has been shown in the Village at home and from all over the wold is testament to the quality of investment in planning and design made by City Legacy -an investment which it has sustained throughout a six-year journey.

"The award is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved.

"We are looking forward to seeing the Athletes' Village transform into a lively community when the first of our new residents move into their homes early next year."

City council leader Gordon Matheson said: "I am delighted the Athletes' Village has received yet more recognition with these awards. I look forward to it now becoming a fantastic new neighbourhood for Glasgow."

The latest awards are the 19th won by the team behind the Athletes' Village.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk