BUILDING work on St Mirren's new stadium has been completed as the club prepares to kick off a new era.

Council chiefs are due to grant a safety certificate for the 8000-capacity ground in Ferguslie.

Contractors Barr Construction will then hand over the keys in a fortnight's time, pending approval from the SPL.

Police and fire chiefs have agreed to sign off the stadium in Greenhill Road, less than half a mile from Love Street.

It will host its first match, a league clash against Kilmarnock, on January 31.

Mary Crearie, director of Renfrewshire Council's Housing and Property Services, said: "Both Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are satisfied with the safety certificate."

The Saints will sever their 114-year tie with Love Street next month, as part of a £15million deal with Tesco.

In October, the supermarket giant announced it would sell the site for housing after ditching plans to a build a store.

Club director Gordon Scott said: "While we can't bring the memories or history of Love Street, we have built an excellent stadium that is a credit to the club and all those involved in the planning and construction."

Meanwhile, the club has slashed prices for the final match at Love Street - an SPL game with Motherwell on January 3.

Tickets have been reduced to £15 for adults and £10 for concessions. Accompanied under-12s will be charged £5.

Fans are also paying £60 each to have their names displayed on bricks in the main stand of the new stadium as part of a Wall of Fame.

The club is in talks over making January 31 a gala day in Paisley featuring a celebration march from Love Street to the new ground.

Tesco is now looking to build a store in Renfrew Road in Paisley. Tesco says the new site is closer to the centre of Paisley and would help regenerate the town.