IT IS one of the most visible disused spaces in Glasgow, a deserted stretch of urban wasteland under one of Scotland's busiest roads.

But now new plans have been unveiled for the space under the large M74 overpass in the south side of Glasgow to be transformed into a multi-use sports and art park, co-designed by prize-winning contemporary artist Toby Paterson.

The park, in the Port Eglinton area of Glasgow, will be used for skateboarding - it features a large bowl for skating - BMX and free running, as well as sitting and relaxing.

The work on the park, currently entitled GUSM74, will cost around £1million.

An exhibition featuring the plans opens at the Lighthouse in Glasgow on Friday.

The plan is under consultation, supported by Creative Scotland, so the public and those interested in skateboarding are being asked to look at the proposals and meet the designers.

The design is the creation of Glasgow Urban Sports (GUS) and could be open by next year.

The park will utilise the M74 flyover, which will shelter more than half of the space beneath.

Raydale Dower, co-designer of the park, said: "It is designed for people to use, not just to look at.

"We are consciously quoting from the best skate spots around the world and building in things like back-yard swimming pool bowls, 'china town' banks, and urban plaza design, with seating areas and landscaping for members of the local and general public to enjoy."

Mr Paterson added: "The park will have a strong visual aesthetic, sculptural presence and functional, yet non-prescriptive architect - we're trying to redefine the preconceived notion of what a public park might be.

"So while the benches act as seating, where people can observe the space, the benches are also there to be skated and used, so the park is open to user interpre -tation."

The new exhibition will run until August 10.

The land itself is managed by Transport Scotland and designers Keppie have also been involved in the plan.

Gerry Grams, Glasgow City Council's city design adviser, said: "The park has the potential to act as a physical and psychological landmark.

"It provides a green space within what was a heavily industrial area of the city.

"What's particularly exciting about the park is that it offers the opportunity to link existing and new pedestrian and cycling links the area currently lacks, at the same time as acting an intriguing conduit destination, an attractive tourist's route between city centre/ GOMA and Tramway."

Glasgow Life, which run the city's galleries, and SPT are supporters of the plan.