** Update – 13 February 2024 **
Work is progressing well on the redevelopment of Regent Gardens, Kirkintilloch.
Latest highlights:
☑️ The canopy is now in place – as part of the creation of a flat, green, flexible central space
☑️ Additional work has taken place to ensure trees are preserved and protected
☑️ Union Street is open again, with wider pavements and new surfacing
☑️ Work will be taking place on landscaping, lighting and seating.
Fresh life is being breathed into a popular space at the heart of Kirkintilloch as part of community-inspired improvements in the town.
The project to redevelop Regent Gardens is a partnership between Your Kirky and East Dunbartonshire Council.
Consultation, led by Your Kirky (Kirkintilloch Community Council) in 2019 and 2021, indicated that many felt the space lacks flexibility and has accessibility issues – including different levels, kerbs and sloping.
Responding to that, and following in-depth discussions, the project aims to enshrine the area as the 'heart of the town', creating a more flexible and user-friendly space which can better host events and is focused on being a place for people.
Highlights include:
Regent Gardens:
- The creation of a flat, green, flexible central space for events, with a semi-permanent canopy
- A sustainable landscape scheme, integrating and retaining all existing mature trees
- Better seating, informal play features and a lighting scheme
- Provision of a defibrillator via the reuse of an iconic red telephone box.
Union Street:
- Enhanced physical links from Cowgate and Regent Gardens to Peel Park and Kirkintilloch Town Hall through the redesign of Union Street, widening of pavements and landscaping. Vehicles will still be able to access Union Street, but traffic calming measures will be introduced.
- Enhanced accessibility across the Gardens and Union Street.
Works started on 10 July 2023 and are expected to be completed in March 2024.
Please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions. Check out the information panel above or download it (link opens in new window).
You can also access an audio-description of the information panel (link opens in new window).
If you have a further question, please email customerservices@eastdunbarton.gov.uk (link sends email) or call 0300 123 4510.
FAQs:
Does this mean Union Street will become a "shared space" between vehicles and pedestrians?
Why do the Gardens need to be closed?
Could work not have been carried out in the autumn or winter of 2023?
Will you be chopping down the trees in Regent Gardens?
Are these plans new? What consultation was carried out?
Who is paying for this?
Why can't the funding be used to lower business rates/rents or to attract more retailers?
Why was the large tree closest to the Regent Centre cut back and how was it done?
Will the Princess Diana Memorial Bench be retained?
Is there any connection with the Catherine Street junction and the planned return of traffic lights?
I have a further question
Does this mean Union Street will become a "shared space" between vehicles and pedestrians?
No. The new road design maintains segregation for vehicles and pedestrians, while enhancing safety and use through traffic calming measures and wider pavements.
Why do the Gardens need to be closed?
Unfortunately, the closure is unavoidable to allow construction and to ensure safety to public for the duration of works.
Could work not have been carried out in the autumn or winter of 2023?
We were keen to progress the project as soon as possible, given unavoidable delays due to the pandemic, however, it took longer than planned to secure a contractor due to volatility within the wider construction market. We also had a commitment to external funders to begin as soon as possible.
Will you be chopping down the trees in Regent Gardens?
The redevelopment includes a sustainable landscape scheme, integrating and retaining all existing mature trees. An arboriculturist has been appointed separately by the Council to oversee protection of these trees during construction. No trees are being removed.
Are these plans new? What consultation was carried out?
A redesign of Regent Gardens was first mentioned in the Kirkintilloch Masterplan in 2013. Consultation was carried out by Your Kirky (Kirkintilloch Community Council) in 2019, with more than 1,000 responses – including strong support for redevelopment of the area. That was followed by more consultation in 2021, which generated around 400 responses – with a majority again backing a revamp of the Gardens.
Who is paying for this?
Funding has been secured from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Sustrans, Transport Scotland, the Council's Capital Programme, the Miss Hutchison Legacy Fund and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Why can't the funding be used to lower business rates/rents or to attract more retailers?
Business rates are not set by the Council and we do not own any commercial properties in the town so cannot lower rents. However, we continue to work with local businesses and partners such as Your Kirky to promote the town, support local events, and attract new traders and investment. We are supporting plans to help Kirkintilloch become a Business Improvement District and are here to help in any way we can. If you need support or have any suggestions please email us - customerservices@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
The Council applied for, and secured, funding for this project from a variety of external sources and it is focused on the Regent Gardens area. We hope that when complete it will allow for a wide range of events to be held in the area – attracting residents and visitors, and boosting footfall.
Why was the large tree closest to the Regent Centre cut back and how was it done?
An expert arboriculturist team, including the Council’s tree officer and an external consultant, has been working closely with the design team and contractor regarding delivery of works. Pruning of the large ash tree was part of the care and conservation works, which were recommended and supervised by the arboriculturist team.
Will the Princess Diana Memorial Bench be retained?
All benches and seating in good order are expected to be removed and reused at another location. The aim is to remove the Princess Diana Memorial Bench, repair (if necessary) and reinstate at an alternative location.
Is there any connection with the Catherine Street junction and the planned return of traffic lights?
The Regent Gardens project is distinct and separate. It was previously agreed by Council to reinstate traffic signal controls at the Catherine Street junction. Work is currently underway to agree a tender and timeframe for the Catherine Street junction works.
I have a further question
If you have a question, please email customerservices@eastdunbarton.gov.uk (link sends email)