The centre is one of Kirkintilloch Initiative's (KI) flagship projects and is expected to open in Autumn 2009.

It will provide local people with access to health and social care services from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and East Dunbartonshire Council.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "This is the second major development KI has delivered for the town and is the result of an effective partnership between the council and the NHS.

"We already have a state-of-the-art leisure centre and this new care centre will really add to the healthy living services on offer.

"There is a lot of investment going into Kirkintilloch, making it a great place to live and work."

Located at the former Woodhead House site in Industry Street, the centre will replace and bring together the existing Townhead Clinic, Larkfield Centre and social care services into one location.

Andrew Robertson, chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Bringing health and social care services together under one roof will make them easily accessible and improve the standard of care available.

"This project has a real focus on healthy living and the modern building is purpose built to meet the needs of patients and staff.

"We're looking forward to providing a wide range of services and exciting new health initiatives from this centre."