THE stage is set as a £600,000 South Side bandstand comes into play for the first time in 16 years.

Performers taking part in a special open-air concert this weekend will celebrate the launch of the new Queen's Park Arena and get their first chance to see the work done on the site.

Four community councils have worked tirelessly to give new life to the bandstand, which burned down in 1996 after years of neglect.

Dr Evelyn Silber, chairwoman of Queen's Park Arena Ltd, said: "We are very excited about holding our first performance at the Arena and very grateful to Glasgow City Council and all the other organisations that have supported us.

"So many people have been enthusiastic about the prospect of what this restored and transformed space can do, we hope they will now come and enjoy the venue they have helped us recreate."

The formal opening will take place on Saturday, with a day-long series of events involving local performers.

Members of Crosshill/ Govanhill; Langside, Battlefield & Camphill; Mount Florida and Shawlands & Strathbungo community councils formed an alliance to reopen the arena.

They have worked to raise £180,000 to complete the first phase of the project, which will eventually see changing rooms, a bigger stage area, and a movable roof that can double as a film screen.

The council undertook preliminary works early this year to stabilise and consolidate the ground under the area. The first phase re-instatement of the arena began on site in August.

Phase one has seen new central seating tiers created, while the side tiers have been cleaned and repaired and new step surfaces installed.

A concrete stage area has been installed to allow the arena to be used for events.

Later stages will take the total cost to £600,000.

The design for the new Arena was created by ZM Architects, in Glasgow, after the company won an open competition in 2010.

Dr Silber added: "Lots of people have fond memories of attending events at the site of the bandstand. We think the new Arena will be able to re-capture some of that excitement and create more memories for generations to come.

"The Arena will be an exciting venue where professional artists can come to perform. We think it will create a real buzz around the area and put Queen's Park on the cultural map.

"But it is important for us that the Arena is a place for the community, giving local performers a platform to share their work with the people who visit the park regularly.

"We look forward to welcoming as many local people as possible on Saturday for a varied and entertaining free event that will showcase local talent and all sorts of music, drama and dance."

Councillor Jim Coleman, Glasgow City Council's spokesman for Land and Environmental Services, said: "The new Arena looks fantastic and is a great multi-use facility for local people.

"We worked closely with the Queen's Park Arena steering group at every stage."

When the park was opened on September 11, 1862 by Bailie Gemmell, the convener of the park committee, he planted a commemorative chestnut tree that still stands at the entrance to the Wellcroft Bowling Green.

The park's first bandstand was originally a circular cast and wrought iron construction by the Saracen Foundry of Walter Macfarlane & Co.

By 1912 it had been moved to the present site and was used for concerts, public meetings and political rallies.

In 1920 the bandstand was moved to Duchess Park, Motherwell, , but in 1930 another bandstand and amphitheatre was built. It burned down in 1996, leaving the site derelict - until now.

l Saturday's event runs from noon and is free. Full programme details at: www.qppp.org.uk

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk