A DERELICT eyesore on the banks of a Glasgow canal is to be transformed into a landmark tourist attraction.

A DERELICT eyesore on the banks of a Glasgow canal is to be transformed into a landmark tourist attraction.

Charity bosses have unveiled ambitious plans for the grade C-listed Lambhill Stables, in the north of the city.

The proposals include a cafe, visitor centre and skills hub designed to help residents "transform their lives".

Project leaders also want to create a viewing tower looking out on to Possil Marshes, a conservation area that is home to wildlife, including roe deer and rare birds.

The plan aims to encourage tourists travelling along the Forth and Clyde Canal to stop at the centre, as well as create a hub for the community.

The project is part of an overall plan to regenerate the canal area and charity bosses want residents to help shape the plans.

The first phase, costing around £1million, will start early next year and focus on the conversion and refurbishment of the building, which has fallen into disrepair and been targeted by vandals after lying empty for many years.

The second and third phases of the project will create a visitor centre, community garden and viewing tower.

Bosses are in negotiations with a number of funders, including Glasgow City Council and the National Lottery, to secure cash for the project.

Allan Grant is project manager at Lambhill Stables, which were built in 1856 for the horses that pulled the barged along the canal.

He said: "This is a chance for residents to improve their community and develop a better quality of life.

"While other areas of the canal are being regenerated this area has been really neglected. A lot of boats won't even go past it.

"The restored building will be used to provide opportunities for local residents to transform their lives by learning new skills.

"We want to create a landmark building at the centre of the regeneration of that area.

"This will be our first major development project and we are keen to involve as many local people and community groups as possible."

The Lambhill Stables will reopen next year as part of the wider Forth and Clyde Canal redevelopment.

To enlist the support of local people, charity organisers will be hosting a stand at this year's Fun in the Park event at Springburn Park on Saturday.

Charity organisers will also be attending a number of other events throughout the summer, including the Possil Park Festival on August 13 and Queen's Cross Gala Day on August 23.