A £13MILLION environmentally-friendly health centre, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, is to be built in Glasgow.

It will bring together a range of health and social care services for people of all ages in Govan.

The "one-stop shop" will provide nursing, social care services, chiropody and physiotherapy, as well as a range of other services.

Community and voluntary organisations will also have space in the new centre.

If it gets the go-ahead, it should be the first "carbon-neutral" building in Scotland which is open to the public.

Carbon-neutral projects offset all their carbon dioxide emissions through schemes such as planting trees, generating renewable energy or becoming highly energy-efficient.

The idea is the building ends up saving the same amount of carbon emissions it creates.

Councillor Stephen Curran, chairman of the Glasgow South West Community Health and Care Partnership - a partnership between Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde - said: "Once completed this hub will be a fantastic asset to the south west of Glasgow.

"It is an exciting, environmentally sustainable design.

"By having a one-stop shop' for services we believe it will be easier for people in the community to lead healthier and better lives."

The new health hub will be built on a redundant blaes pitch in Craigton Road and use landscaping to help ensure a constant temperature in summer and winter.

Ventilation will be provided through natural airflows, rainwater will be collected and redirected towards the building's sanitation system and an aerofoil-style roof will maximise use of daylight.

Sunk low into the ground, the building will be over two levels but will eventually stand at less than 40ft high to help it fully integrate into its surroundings.

CHCP director Iona Colvin said: "These plans present a significant milestone for the Community Health and Care Partnership and should act as a catalyst for regeneration.

"This will be a building the community can be proud of."

As part of the development, £130,000 will be invested in new sports facilities within the neighbourhood to replace the Craigton Road blaes pitch.