THE final piece of land needed for the Athletes' Village at the 2014 Commonwealth Games has been bought by Glasgow City Council.

Relieved council officials say the purchase of land on the banks of the Clyde at Dalmarnock removes any uncertainty over the future of the East End site.

On Friday, councillors will be told glazing firm Gold Seal has agreed to sell its land and property on Springfield Road for £1.8million.

The company will move its operations and staff to a council owned site at London Road/Dunn Street which it has purchased for £350,000.

Council Commonwealth Games spokesman Archie Graham said: "Gold Seal is a local company directly employing around 100 staff and there are very few other options suitable for relocation.

"This would allow the company to consolidate and expand.

"Purchasing this piece of land is a major step forward for us as we begin the practical work that will allow us to host the 2014 Games.

"The Athletes' Village is a central part of our plans for the Games and the council is committed to delivering on the promises we made in Sri Lanka in November when we won the right to host the event.

"We want the 2014 Games to be the most athlete-friendly ever and this village is designed to provide them with everything they will need.

"But, as it will eventually be turned into housing, it will also be a lasting legacy for the city.

"The power of sport to enhance lives will never be better demonstrated."

Since winning the right to host the Games, the council has been treating the delivery of the Athletes' Village as a priority.

The new community on the banks of the Clyde has been planned with the help of Scotland's athletes.

It is intended to be not just a place to sleep but a place to live a place the council hopes will sum up the whole games experience.

The Village, which will be twice the size of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games Village, will include on-site training facilities.

It will cater for up to 8000 people, allowing teams room to live, work and prepare for the Games.

A council spokesman said: "With no more than two people per room, the athletes will be able to relax and prepare for the performance of their lives.

"After the Games, the village will be a lasting legacy for Glasgow.

"The houses will be made available for sale or socially rented housing, breathing new life into the area."