THE skyline at Glasgow Green is changing as the area undergoes a multi-million pound transformation into a hi-tech field of dreams on the banks of the Clyde.

Work is progressing within schedule on what will be the first Glasgow National Hockey Centre where players from around the world will battle for gold when the city hosts the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The steel framework is now taking shape and gives the first idea of the scale of a project that is costing £5.5million and will help showcase the city to a global television audience.

The sports complex is being built next to Glasgow Green Football Centre in Kings Drive.

The steel used to shape the hockey hub weighs 140 tonnes.

When completed, the centre will have two synthetic hockey pitches each with its own floodlights and changing accommodation.

A grandstand will have seating for 500 spectators although 10 times as many seats will be provided during the Games.

Temporary stands will be erected to provide another 4500 seats.

Around 30 construction workers are currently on site but more will be brought in in the coming months to ensure the project is completed within budget and on schedule.

Work should be completed by summer, a year before thousands of competitors jet in to Glasgow for one of the world's greatest sporting extravaganzas.

Scottish Hockey will also be based at the new centre which will strengthen the city's sporting credentials in the UK and also internationally.

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow National Hockey Centre will be a significant addition to the city's outstanding range of sporting facilities, helping to develop hockey through the building of an international-class venue.

"During the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, this venue will provide the opportunity to see some of the world's finest teams compete.

"I am looking forward to the centre opening next year and the creation of another sporting legacy for Glasgow."

The centre is expected to feature some gladiatorial battles when the Games begin. Several Commonwealth countries are among the best in the world when it comes to the sport.

In the global men's ranking, Australia currently has the second top team followed by England in fourth, Pakistan in fifth and New Zealand in sixth. In the women's category, New Zealand is ranked third, England fourth and Australia sixth.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk