WORK on building a new walk-through Covid-19 testing centre in Stirling is underway.

The facility, being funded by the UK government, will be located in Forthside, adjacent to the Engine Shed and the footbridge and will become fully operational next week.

The centre is being built by Mitie, a facilities management and professional services company, while letters have been put up at the block of flats adjacent to the centre to let residents know the details of how it will operate.

A request was made by the Scottish Government and NHS Forth Valley for the walk-through test centre to support Stirling’s university community and local residents, particularly those who may not have access to a vehicle to attend MTU venues, such as the one based at the university.

Forthside has been chosen to host the testing centre due its central geographical location and close proximity to a transport hub.

Stirling Council has outlined a number of key points for the facility, including:

• The testing centre will be located as close as possible to the Engine Shed to keep it further away from the residential properties at the northern part of the site

• Pedestrian access to the testing site will be at the south of the site next to the base of the footbridge

• There will be no parking on site for people attending for a test - those who have travelled by car should leave their vehicle at the public car park next to the Vue Cinema

• Queues will be held within the boundary of the site and not encroach into the land in front of the Engine Shed. Staff on site will manage queues.

• A pilot event will take at the site and if any significant issues come to light, this could mean the site could be moved to another location.

More information on coronavirus testing and walk-through centres can be found on the NHS Inform website.